VolumeXXIIssue

4

DirectionsMagazIne august 2013

Deer Park ChamberOf Commerce

2 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

In this Issue

Letter from the Chairman Ribbon Cuttings

ambassador news

astros train guy

Calendar of events

11 Ways to beat the Monday Blues

DIReCtIOns MagazIneaugust 2013 3Life Work Balance

from the Chairman

We had a wonderful event with the 2013 salute to education. as always, I enjoy the part of the event where we dine and get to know one another as a business community. It is also fun when, as leaders in our organization, you can speak to one another about common experiences that others may, or may not, understand. It is somehow comforting to know that other business owners, or executives, face the same challenges that you do. at our table, unexpectedly, the topic became, “Life Work Balance.”

at Iberiabank, one of our commitments to our associates is that we as leaders recognize the need for a good healthy “life – work balance” in their professional life. However, have you ever heard the expression, “Physician heal thyself?” I would wager that my lovely spouse, Lisa, would argue that I understand the

term “life – work balance.” apparently, I am not alone based on the conversation we had over lunch at salute to education!

I will say that I have an excellent role model at Iberiabank in the person of my manager, Market President, Kevin Rafferty. Without fail, every time I do take some time off, and choose to send some emails to the office, he will author an email, “Vacation means to vacate! no more emails!” One time, he went so far as to instruct my Community Banking team to stop emailing me, or trouble would follow! got to love a guy like that, don’t you?

so given the level of interest in this topic from among our peers, I thought I would look into what are some things we can focus on to bring about a better balance between profession and living life well. One article stood out by Jen uscher, of WeBMD.com. the title of the article is, “5 tips for Better Work - Life Balance.”

as I read the article, I could see that Kevin has this down! so I think the tips are worth sharing.

Build Downtime into Your schedule

When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends, and activities that help you recharge.

If a date night with your spouse or a softball game with friends is on your calendar, you’ll have something to look forward to and an extra incentive to manage your time well so you don’t have to cancel.

“It helps to be proactive about scheduling,” says Laura stack, a productivity expert in Denver and author ofsuperCompetent: the six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best. “When I go out with my girlfriends, we all whip out our cell phones and put another girls’ night out on the calendar for 1 month later.”

I enjoy fitness training. so I include 1 hour, or more if I can, 5 days a week to fitness training. Weights, cycling, core training. sometimes, I push those weights through the roof!!

Remember, all work and no play makes us all dull boys and girls!!

11 Ways to beat the Monday Blues

Drop activities and People who sap your energy!

“Many people waste their time on activities or people that add no value -- for example, spending too much time at work with a colleague who is constantly venting and gossiping,” says Marilyn Puder-York, PhD, a psychologist and executive coach in new York and Connecticut.

Her advice: take stock of activities that don’t enhance your career or personal life, and minimize the time you spend on them.

You may even be able to leave work earlier if you make a conscious effort to limit the time you spend on the web and social media sites, making personal calls, or checking your bank balance. “We often get sucked into these habits that are making us much less efficient without realizing it,” stack says.

Rethink Your errands

Consider whether you can outsource any of your time-consuming household chores or errands. When I was a kid, I mowed lawns to earn extra dollars. Where are those kids today?? In lieu of finding a neighborhood kid, consider lawn mowing service, or housekeepers. You’ve earned it after all. By the way, I still mow my own lawn. Maybe its time to call texas Lawn and sprinkler??

get moving.

“It’s hard to make time for exercise when you have a jam-packed schedule, but it may ultimately help you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.”

“Research shows exercise can help you to be more alert,” say experts. “ I know that when I miss my exercise periods, I feel lethargic and worthless. For me it is about self-esteem and confidence as much as anything else.

Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.

Don’t assume that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life. the author of the article recommends setting realistic goals, like leaving the office earlier 1 night per week.

“slowly build more activities into your schedule that are important to you,” he says. “Maybe you can start by spending an hour a week on your hobby of carpentry, or planning a weekend getaway with your spouse once a year.”

even during a hectic day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your batteries. “take a bath, read a trashy novel, go for a walk, or listen to music,” stack says. “You have to make a little time for the things that ignite your joy.”

Personally, I have in mind, among others, our small Business of the Year winner, eclipse Massage and spa for an upcoming “I’m in love with me” day!! What about it, Carina and Jose?!?…got a nice hot stone massage I can indulge in??

We all work hard and long hours to generate a success in our businesses and our community. Just make sure you build in a little time for you and yours to decompress. Remember, all work and no play makes us all dull boys and girls!!

sincerely,

26 golf tournament Committee MeetingWHen august 26th 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

27 Mid Morning Coffeesponsored by Becon FCuWHen august 27th 2013 at 9:00 amWHeRe Holiday Inn 201 W. X street in Deer Park

28 Young guns MeetingWHen august 28th 2013 at 10:00 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

29 Chase Bank Open HouseWHen august 29th 2013 at 3:00 pmWHeRe 5150 Fairmont Pkwy in Pasadena

30 tourism Meeting

WHen august 30th 2013 at 10:00 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

2 golf tournament Committee MeetingWHen september 2nd 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

4 social Media Misuse and abuse WorkshopWHen september 4th 2013 at 10:00 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

5 First Choice eRRibbon CuttingWHen september 5th 2013 at 11:00 amWHeRe 3701 Center street in Deer Park

18 Workplace Bullying WorkshopWHen september 18th 2013 at 10:00 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

19 Business growth and Development Committee Meeting WHen september 19th 2013 at 8:30 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

23 golf tournament Committee MeetingWHen september 23rd 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

24 Mid Morning Coffeesponsored by Ocean BreezeWHen september 24th 2013 at 9:00 amWHeRe Holiday Inn 201 W. X street in Deer Park

25 Young guns MeetingWHen september 26th 2013 at 10:00 amWHeRe Pasadena Chamber of Commerce 4334 Fairmont Pkwy. in Pasadena

26 Monthly LuncheonWHen september 26th 2013 at 11:30 amWHeRe Battleground golf Course 1600 georgis street in Deer ParkCOst $20.00 For Individuals $160.00 For a table of 8

26 envent CorporationOpen HouseWHen september 26th 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe 1310 underwoodin La Porte

30 golf tournament Committee MeetingWHen september 30th 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

5 ambassadorCommittee MeetingWHen september 5th 2013 at 11:30 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

9 golf tournament Committee MeetingWHen september t 9h 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

11 social Media WorkshopWHen september 11th 2013 at 9:00 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

12 Rodan Fields Ribbon Cutting WHen september 12th 2013 at 3:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

12 air Value Inc.Open HouseWHen september 12th 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe 115 s. 8th street in La Porte

16 golf tournament Committee MeetingWHen september 16th 2013 at 4:00 pmWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

17 Board of Directors MeetingWHen september 17th 2013 at 11:30 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce110 Center street in Deer Park

18 totally texas Committee Meeting WHen september 18th 2013 at 8:30 amWHeRe Deer Park Chamber of Commerce 110 Center street in Deer Park

september

this Month

Ribbon Cuttings

6 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

the crawfish craze is going strong here in the Clear Lake area;

and Crazy alan’s swamp shack seems to be a big part of that. With Fire & Ice Crawfish (est. 1994) supplying thousands of pounds weekly to much of the Houston Bay area with crawfish. so, if you’re looking for a weekend seafood boil without the effort and a picturesque view of the Kemah Boardwalk Marina, come on out to Paul Latours & alan Franks “Crazy alan’s swamp shack at the base of the Kemah Bridge, for great fun, live caiman alligators, great food, live music and our unique gift shop. You might even get to meet Boudreaux and thibodeaux.

Crazy alan’s swamp shack

steve stockman was elected to the u.s. House of Representatives

on november 6, 2012, with a vision of limited government, strong support for american families, and a robust national defense. Rep. stockman serves the people of the 36th Congressional District of texas. the district is home to nasa’s Johnson space Center, the research and training facility for all manned space exploration and the location of the popular Mission Control.

Congressman steve stockman

Ribbon Cuttings

7 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

Rocky’s Banquet Hall is a party facility for 300 guests. this

outstanding facility is located at the main business center in Deer park texas. It is fully equiped with decorated tabes with cherveri chairs, dance floor, high definition tV and a supurb audio system. Rocky’s Banquet Hall has everything you will need for any event. From small corporate events to large parties and extravaganzas Rocky’s has you covered. Visit their facility at 502 Center street in Deer Park or give them a call at 713-562-2173.

Rocky’s Banquet Hall

Fresh Italian with Old World Flavor. You’re going to Love gina’s!!

gina’s was founded on the ideals that fresh is the only way to enjoy food. at gina’s they strive to provide the customer with the best ingredients in their food while also providing unparalleled customer service. at gina’s they have two basic goals, that they strive to provide to all customers: the best, fresh Italian food, impeccable customer service. every meal prepared at gina’s is fresh. We cut no corners when it comes to our food by preparing and cooking all of our food per request. tonight, try gina’s for dinner!

gina’s Italian Kitchen

Intrepid Industries is a Houston-based manufacturing

company, providing molded industrial parts for use in refineries, chemical plants, paper mills, and marine environments. the parts are processed via Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) from a strong, rigid polyurethane called Instant set Polymer (IsP). Many of these parts have successfully replaced components previously made out of metals, ceramics, and wood. If you have an idea for a product, want a quote, or need to discuss an application, please contact them at 281- 479-8301.

Intrepid Industries

Ribbon Cuttings

8 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

W

orkshop Wednesday

social Media misuse & abuseSeptember 4th 201310:00 am - 12:00 pm110 Center Street in Deer Park

social Media Made easySeptember 11th 20139:00 am - 11:00 am110 Center Street in Deer Park

Workforce BullyingSeptember 18th 201310:00 am - 12:00 pm110 Center Street in Deer Park

Upcoming

social Media misuse & abuseOctober 9th 201310:00 am - 12:00 pm110 Center Street in Deer Park

EmailMarketingOctober 2nd 20139:00 am - 11:00 am110 Center Street in Deer Park

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Deer Park Chamber of Commerce staff

OFFICe anD eVents ManageRgrace zubkow Phone: 281-479-1559 ext. 23 Fax: 281-476-4041 email: grace@deerparkchamber.org

aDVeRtIsIng FOR tHIs PuBLICatIOn COMMunICatIOns COORDInatORnicole garvis Phone: 281-479-1559 ext. 30Fax: 281-476-4041 email: nicki@deerparkchamber.org

VOLunteeRRuth Boyd

geneRaL enQuIRIes Postal address 110 Center street Deer Park, texas 77536 Phone: 281-479-1559 ext. 21 Fax: 281-476-4041 emai: info@deerparkchamber.org Website: www.deerpark.org

PResIDent & CeOtim Culp Phone: 281-479-1559 ext. 25 Fax: 281-476-4041 email: tim@deerparkchamber.org

MeMBeRsHIP COORDInatORWanda Morris Phone: 281-479-1559 ext. 21 Fax: 281-476-4041 email: Wanda@deerparkchamber.org

Baskin Robbins 3811 Center Street

Deer Park, TX 77536 Ph: 281-884-8990

www.facebook.com/brdeerpark

Whether you’re in the mood for an Ice cream cone, Sundaes, Shakes, Cappuccino Blast, 31° Below or one of our personalized

cakes Baskin-Robbins has something for everyone.

More Flavors, More Fun!

Visit today for a sweet Selection of Treats!

We CATER and DELIVER to businesses,

plants, etc.

2501 Underwood Rd., La Porte, TX 77571

CATERING - TO GO - CALL INS

Deer Park IsD superintendent Dr. arnold adair had an opportunity to make some quick cash for the Deer Park education Foundation. the staff at gulf Coast educator’s Federal Credit union placed adair in a money grab booth following tuesday’s Deer Park Chamber of Commerce salute to education. Whatever money adair could grab and keep after one minute would be donated to the Deer Park education Foundation. adair stuffed his shirt and pockets, grabbing a total of $631 for the Foundation.

adair grabs cash for Foundation donation from gCeFCu

12DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

Kristi Claypool, Meador StaffingKristi Claypool is an account manager for Meador Staffing Services. She services companies in the Gulf Coast area. Although Meador is a local company, they staff nationwide. She enjoys placing the right candidates for the right jobs. She has two young adult athletic boys. And her husband enjoys his work as an Operator at a local chemical plant.Her hobbies are volunteering in her community, private flight lessons and home bible studies. She is honored to also serve as chamber ambassador and loves serving as team captain for this chamber. She is honored to work for a company that not only promotes but rewards employees for their community involvement. I believe in blooming wherever you are planted.

Megan Victorick, JSC Federal Credit Union

HOWDY! Megan Victorick is the Business Development Coordinator for JSC Federal Credit Union in the Northern Region which includes Deer Park, TX. Megan has lived in many different cities in the Houston and east Texas area but has called Deer Park, TX home since 4th grade. She has a total of 6 sisters; 1 biological sister (25 yrs old), 2 step sisters on her mom’s side of the family (17 yrs old & 16 yrs old) and 3 step sisters on her dad’s side of the family (25 yrs old, 19 yrs old and 16 yrs old). She will be getting married on October 12, 2013 to her high school sweetheart of 6 years, Chase Cathey.Megan enjoys shopping with her mom and golfing with her dad. During the spring/summer time you can catch her out at Lake Livingston getting a tan and having a good time at her lake house. Once fall/winter comes around she ends up spending a lot of time out in Boerne, TX where her fiancé’s deer lease is. She actually shot her first axis buck this year.

Megan is a graduate from Texas A&M University – College Station and has degree in Agricultural Leadership Education and Development. As the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggies class of 2012, she is driven to excel in whatever she pursues due to her involvement in keeping the Aggie family and traditions alive! Megan has worked as an intern for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Rodeo Austin and JSC Federal Credit Union which is where she resides now as a Business Development Coordinator.

Highlighting our Ambassadors13DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

At Welsh Collision Center, we pride ourselves on offering the most personable service available by striving to treat every customer as if they were

family and every vehicle as if it were our own...guaranteed!

14 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

Does the start of your workweek trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety, sadness, or stress? Do you lack passion and motivation on Monday morning? are you sluggish or tense?If you’re nodding affirmatively, you might have a case of the Monday Blues.

“the ‘Monday Blues’ describe a set of negative emotions that many people get at the beginning of the workweek if they’re not happy at work,” says alexander Kjerulf, an international author and speaker on happiness at work. “It contains elements of depression, tiredness, hopelessness and a sense that work is unpleasant but unavoidable.”the Monday Blues are so prevalent that they have become a cultural phenomenon, “and this makes it easy to laugh them off as ‘just the way things are,’” he says. “But they can be much more than just a passing tiredness; they are often a serious warning sign that something is not right at work. If you were happy, you’d be excited and energized on Mondays, not tired and depressed.” Rita Friedman, a Philadelphia-based career coach, agrees. “If you love your job and are passionate about what you’re doing, going in to work Monday morning is another opportunity to do what you love,” she says. “But if you’re feeling under-appreciated or unsatisfied with your job, it can be especially difficult to start another seemingly endless workweek.”

as it turns out, your case of the Mondays can have a negative impact on your performance and productivity—as well as the people around you. “We know from countless studies in psychology and neurology that your current emotional state

11Ways to Beat the Monday Blues

15 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

Continued on page 16

has a huge effect on the quality of your work and when you’re feeling blue you are less productive, less motivated, more pessimistic, less creative, less engaged and learn more slowly–just to mention a few effects,” Kjerulf says. Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of the Hired group, star of MtV’s Hired, and author of Hired! the guide for the Recent grad, says the Monday Blues are contagious. “Your stress or bad mood can drastically change the overall work environment,” he says. Jacquelyn smith, Forbes staff If it has to do with leadership, jobs, or careers, I’m on it. Friedman agrees. she says everyone’s productivity is affected by your Monday Blues. “When you’re unhappy at work, it makes it very difficult for those around you to be happy, and oftentimes just one worker with a case of the Mondays can spread the doldrums to the whole team.” Here are 11 ways to beat (or avoid) the dreaded Monday Blues:

1. Identify the problem. “the first thing to do is to ask yourself what’s wrong,” Kjerulf says. If you have the Monday Blues most weeks, then this is not something you should laugh off or just live with. It’s a significant sign that you are unhappy at work and you need to fix it or move on and find another job. sara sutton Fell, CeO and founder of FlexJobs, suggests making a list of the things that are bringing you down in your job. “Maybe it’s a negative coworker or a meeting with your boss first thing on Monday morning, or maybe it’s that you don’t feel challenged–or maybe it’s all of the above,” she says. “In either case, clarifying what is bothering you can help you try to be active in finding solutions. It’s a way of empowering you to take charge and try to improve the situation.” Kjerulf says if you only suffer the occasional bout of mild Monday Blues, then you can do some things to successfully cheer yourself and others up on an otherwise dreary Monday.

2. Prepare for Monday on Friday. “Mondays can be extra stressful from work that has potentially piled up from the previous week and, for many, can be challenging to jump right back in,” Kahn says. to help combat that Monday morning anxiety, be sure to leave yourself as few dreadful tasks as possible on Friday afternoon, Friedman says. “By taking care of the things you least want to handle at the end of one work week, you’re making the start of the next that much better.” If you do have any unpleasant tasks awaiting your attention Monday morning, get them done as early as possible so that you don’t spend the rest of the day procrastinating or “feeling as if there’s a black cloud hanging over your head,” she says. “Make that uncomfortable phone call, resolve that outstanding issue, or clean up that mess that’s waiting for you. You’ll feel a lot better once it’s over.” You’ll also want to make sure your calendar is up to date and synched, and you have a good view of and handle on your upcoming work week–especially Monday, says Deborah shane, a career author, featured writer, speaker, and media and marketing consultant. “What do you need to prepare for and get organized with? get it done Friday, or by sunday, if possible.”

3. Make a list of the things you’re excited about. “We often look at the week ahead of us and think of all the tough stuff we have to do and the difficult tasks ahead of us,” Kjerulf says. “turn that around. sunday evening, make a list of three things you look forward to at work that week. this might put you in a more positive mood. If you can’t think of three things you look forward to, that might be an indication that you need to make some changes.”

4. unplug for the weekend. If possible, try to avoid checking work e-mail or voicemail over the weekend, especially if you’re not going to respond until Monday anyway, Friedman says. “It can be tempting to know what’s waiting for you, but drawing clearly defined boundaries between work and personal time can help keep things in check. When you leave the office on Friday, leave your office problems there and focus on enjoying your time off. sometimes going back to work on Monday feels especially frustrating because you let it creep into your off-time, and so it never even feels like you had a weekend at all.”

5. get enough sleep and wake up early. go to bed a little early on sunday night and be sure to get enough sleep so that you wake up feeling well-rested, Friedman says. “If you’re only running on a couple of hours of sleep, it’s unlikely that you’re going to feel good about going anywhere when the alarm goes off Monday morning.” although it might seem counter-intuitive, waking up an extra 15 to 30 minutes early on Monday morning can actually make going back to the office easier. “Having a little more ‘me time’ instead of feeling like you’re trapped in a time crunch can make that transition a little easier,” she says. “taking the time to enjoy a healthy breakfast, do some exercises, or take the dog for a walk can help you feel more centered for the rest of the day, and can help you remember that you’re not a robot who just sleeps and works.”

6. Dress for success. “Dress up, perk up and show up ready to be positive and help others be positive,” shane says. “Be the light and energy that makes others have a better day. show and share your spirit, charisma and vibe and make yourself magnetic.” Kahn agrees. He suggests you use Monday as the day to wear your favorite new outfit. this can help build your confidence around the office and might get you a few complements from co-workers, he says. sutton Fell says when you look good, you feel good. “Feeling good about yourself is half of the battle on Monday mornings, because rather than being deflated by work you want to face it with confidence.”

7. Be positive. start the week out with an “attitude of gratitude,” Kahn says. “take time to recognize and appreciate the things that you enjoy about work.” this starts before you even get to work. to pump yourself up on your way in to work, try listening to your favorite songs, Friedman says. “think about the type of playlist you would create for a workout, and incorporate that same upbeat, high-energy music into your morning preparation or commute.” When you get to the office, do your

best not to be a complainer–and keep your Monday morning grumpiness to yourself, Friedman adds. “In the same vein, don’t listen to other people’s Monday gripes. Creating or contributing to a culture of complaining is no way to improve your attitude.” shane says you must make a decision to turn negative reluctance and dread into a “positive, productive and excited welcome to Monday energy.” start with Friday and make sure your desk is organized, and your work to-do list is ready to go for the following week. “take sunday to rest, review and reward, but plan for and get ready to leap into Monday.” If you’re able to be a source of positivity in the workplace, not only will you make your day more enjoyable, but you’ll also make the work environment better for those around you, Kahn concludes.

8. Make someone else happy. Make a vow to do something nice for someone else as soon as you get to work on Monday, sutton Fell suggests. “Doing nice things for other people definitely can lift the spirits, and in this case, it could actually help shift the overall mood in your office,” she says. “Paying it forward can yield great results all around.” Kjerulf agrees. He says we know from research in positive psychology that one of the best ways to cheer yourself up is to make someone else happy. “You might compliment a co-worker, do something nice for a customer, help out a stranger on the street or find some other way to make someone else’s day a little better.”

9. Keep your Monday schedule light. Knowing that Mondays are traditionally busy days at the office, a good strategy is keep you Monday schedule as clear as possible, Kahn says. “When you’re planning meetings ahead, try to schedule them for tuesdays and Wednesdays. this will help you to come into Monday with more ease from the weekend.” Instead of tackling the biggest and most complicated tasks early on Monday, take some time for easier, more routine stuff, Kjerulf says. “this might get you up and running and give you the energy for the hairier tasks.” But beware: If you have too much free time—you’ll sit around “feeling blue,” shane says.

10. Have fun at work. take it upon yourself to do things that you enjoy in the office on Monday, Kahn says. “Maybe bring donuts for your colleagues or take a quick break to catch up with friend in the office. sharing stories about the weekend with co-workers can be fun and also is a great way to strengthen your interoffice network.” sutton Fell says to schedule a weekly Monday coffee break or lunch with a friend. “Create an event that you will look forward to on Mondays as a way to break up the day with some known positivity. at the very least, it gives you a chance to take a deep breath, talk with a friend, and regroup for the rest of the day.”

11. Have a post-work plan. Your day shouldn’t just be about trudging through Monday to get it over with, but about looking forward to something. “By making Monday a special day where you get to go out with friends, make your favorite dinner, or eat a bowl of popcorn and catch up on a tV show you recorded, the day doesn’t have to be all about getting up to go into the office,” Friedman says.

16 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

Article Credit:Jacquelyn Smith-Forbes

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sometimes all it takes is the crack of the bat, or the loft of a ball smacked from home plate. Bobby Vasquez knows that show time - his time - is seconds away. Vasquez is rolling through his 13th season as the conductor of the electric train that travels along the top edge of the outfield at Minute Maid Park each time the astros hit a home run.

“Best seat in the house,” said the 35-year-old lifetime fan who has a unique vantage point to see the city’s major league team through good times and bad. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” as a ball rockets into the outfield, Vasquez poises at the ready for the umpire’s signal. Fans erupt. Vasquez, who is standing in the cab, eases the joy stick forward. the train rolls. a whistle blasts through twin 3,000-watt speakers. the 60-second journey covers 160 to 190 yards, depending on whether the stadium’s retractable roof is open. the 1860s-era replica train consists of an engine with wheels nearly 6 feet tall and tender topped by fake oranges three times the size of basketballs.

It was the idea of former astros owner Drayton McLane, who envisioned it as a fan-captivating tribute to Houston’s history and a connection to the old union station, which for decades shuffled passengers to their destinations but was refurbished and is the team’s headquarters.

“I told him the biggest mistake we ever made was paying him,” McLane said of Vasquez, “because he’d do it for nothing.”

sitting in such a sweet spot, the 60,000-pound train with no name has been dented by numerous balls. Vasquez once tried to catch a homer hit by Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers, but it bounced off his forearm and got away.

n o d r i n k i n g , d r i v i n g

Clad in coveralls and an orange t-shirt and cap, Vasquez, also known as Bobby Dynamite, sports a goatee and glasses. He’s been cheered, razzed, filmed and flashed and posed for photos with fans. But don’t try to toss him a beer - he can’t drink and drive.

Vasquez will tell you about the best plays he’s seen over the years from the train - the amazing hits, catches and comebacks that he says give him chills.

He also was featured in a Bud Light “Real Men of genius” commercial made at the park.

as of thursday afternoon, the astros had hit 1,220 homers since the train made its debut with the new stadium in 2000.

Coupled with runs to celebrate team victories, the train has rolled about 313 miles, or nearly the distance from Houston to new Orleans. and it has done so at no more than 2.5 mph.

With the team slumping badly the past few years, the train spends many games sitting still.

that hasn’t deterred Vasquez.

“I am an astros fan,” he said on the eve of the team’s recent game against the american League east-leading Boston Red sox. “some days are better than others, but this is still my team.”

He screams to cheer and often doesn’t have a voice left by the time he finishes his shift.

‘astros train guy’ riding high despite team’s lows18 DIReCtIOns MagazIne august 2013

Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle StaffContinued on page 20

“I am up here yelling,” he says. “I didn’t come to sit in a library; I came for a game.”

although the train is the only one of its kind in baseball, Vasquez said he wouldn’t drive one for anyone else, not if another team’s train was bigger, faster and louder, or if his pay was doubled and the team was a perennial powerhouse.

“Heck no,” he said. “I am astros through and through.”

When he’s not working the train, he runs his own website, insidedp.com, that specializes in news about his hometown of Deer Park.

Vasquez said he has passed on opportunities for better day jobs because he refuses to leave his train gig.

“I don’t take my time up here for granted,” he said. “It honestly scares me to think what it would be like to come to a game and not be up here.”

L o c o m o t i v e ’ s f u t u r e

the astros new owner, Jim Crane, talked before this season about possibly doing away with the train, which has had a hefty stretch of its run obscured from view by new advertising billboards.

the team said this week that the train hasn’t been discussed since before the season started, but as of now, there are no plans to remove it.

Vasquez landed the train job just prior to the 2001 season, when he was an intern. the train’s first engineer, who had just started driving it, got promoted.

He is afraid of heights and was petrified the first time he climbed into the cab. Despite that, he has not missed many games - a few when his grandmother died and a few more after a car accident.

Driving the train can be demanding. Vasquez hydrates when he’s working, especially in the spring when the park’s roof is open.

In the summer it is usually closed, keeping the air at somewhere around 73 degrees, but he has faced adversity. He twice has had to stay in the train for 18 innings.

He seems to watch each play and soak up the action. During Monday’s opener against the Red sox, the train stayed still inning after inning.

B i g c h e e r l e a d e r

Wearing a stern game face, Vasquez hung out the side of the cab and raised his arms to whip up fans and give the team a push down the stretch.

He stared out more like a pumped-up man’s man than a perky cheerleader, as the astros were on the verge of beating the team with the best record in baseball, even without any home runs.

Moments later, as celebratory pyrotechnics exploded, Vasquez piloted a victory roll.

When he stopped the train, Vasquez again stepped out of the cab. He held his arms high. as other fans headed for the gates, the one on the train stood still and savored the moment. article Credit :

Dane schiller -ReporterHouston Chronicle

By Matthew Falkenbury

Deer Park Chamber of CommerceCommunity Golf Tournament

October 4th, 2013 Battleground Golf Course1600 Georgia Street, Deer Park, Texas

9 am tee timeBreakfast served at 7:30 am

Lunch served at the conclusion of the tournament

Win $2,000 in gasoline!!

$10.00 per ticketDrawing Held December 19, 2013

at Battle ground golf Courseneed not be present to win

stop by the chamber office at 110 Center street in Deer Park or call 281-479-1559to purchase your chance to win!!

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