Posts published in April 2015

GP Charter Amendments debated

Apr 29, 2015

OE THIBODEAUX, former councilman and Chairman of the Galena Park Amendment Committee, moderates a public meeting held April 23 at Galena Manor, to discuss the 18 amendments that will be voted on May 9th. Also present were all Council members, and department heads. Two other meetings were held, at Baggett Center moderated by Gilbert Hoffman, and Woodland Acres, moderated by Councilman Juan Flores.

GALENA PARK – With the general election approaching on Saturday, May 9, and Early Voting underway for the Charter Amendment, voters in this community are talking about and debating the 18 amendments that are on the ballot.

Councilman Juan Flores organized three Town Hall Meetings, to present the amendments and give citizens for and against them a forum to discuss and debate their merits.

These meetings were held April 22 at Baggett Center; April 23 at Galena Manor, and April 25 at Woodland Acres.

On hand for each meeting were Council members, City of Galena Park department heads, and a moderator/facilitator.

To start each discussion, Councilman Flores handed out a white paper with the Amendments summarized, and a statement of the need for amending the Charter. The paper stated: “Many of the articles in the City Charter are outdated and should be brought up to current standards.”

Sylvester Turner endorsed for Mayor by three House Colleagues

Apr 29, 2015

Sylvester Turner, third from left, is endorsed for Houston Mayor by three of his Texas House colleagues at a news conference. With Turner are, left to right, Tim Dinh representing Rep. Hubert Vo, Rep. Armando Walle and Rep. Ana Hernandez.

HOUSTON, April 24, 2015 – Sylvester Turner was endorsed by three of his colleagues in the Texas House: Ana Hernandez, Hubert Vo and Armando Walle.
At a news conference today, Turner pointed out that Houston is the most diverse city in America.

“All voices need to be heard,” said Turner. “Everyone deserves a seat at the table. That’s the only way Houston will continue to prosper and grow. That’s why I am especially grateful to be endorsed today by these colleagues.”

Rep. Hernandez, District 143, said she has seen firsthand Turner’s leadership.

“Representative Turner brings people together to tackle the tough issues,” Hernandez said. “He will bring that leadership from the state to the city of Houston. I am proud to endorse him for Mayor.”

Rep. Walle, whose District 140 adjoins Turner’s District 139, has worked collaboratively with Turner on a number of issues, including the Appropriations Committee.

“Sylvester Turner has risen above politics,” Walle said. “His is a voice people listen toboth Democrats and Republicans. Representative Turner is a fierce advocate for his district; as mayor, he will be a fierce advocate for the entire city.”

Judge Parrott’s annual “Spring Fling” draws record crowds

Apr 29, 2015

Deby and Mike Parrott, and Denise Smith greet friends and supporters at Parrott’s SPRING FLING at the North Shore Rotary Pavillion on Wallisville Road. The event drew a record crowd for the Fish & Shrimp Fry, live and silent auctions, last Monday evening, after the golf tournament earlier in the day. Over 1200 dinners were served, and many East Harris County citizens turned out for the event.

NORTH SHORE – Judge Mike Parrott was surrounded by friends and supporters last Monday night, as he hosted his annual Spring Fling at the North Shore Rotary Pavilion next to the Court House Annex on Wallisville Road.

Over 1200 people attended, enjoying the fish and shrimp dinner, and greeting friends. They also participated in the live and silent auctions, with many unusual or special items up for bid, such as vacations, game tickets to the Texans and Astros, and sports memorabilia including a popular jersey for No. 99, J. J. Watt.

There was a lot of politics taking place in the crowd too, with a full field of candidates for the soon to be vacant seats of Constable Ken Jones and Judge Parrott shaking hands and making their presence known to all the potential voters on hand.

New Waste Pits study calls for removal

Apr 22, 2015

San Jacinto River Coalition’s Jackie Young, left, and consultant Kathleen Garland, Geologist at UH Clear Lake. The two spoke last Wednesday night at a community meeting, to present an environmental report on EPA guidelines for toxic sites.

EPA guidelines for toxic sites examined

HIGHLANDS – About 60 interested residents of the Highlands and Channelview are attended a briefing last Wednesday evening, held at the San Jacinto Community Center in Highlands.

The meeting was hosted by Jackie Young, environmental activist with the San Jacinto River Coalition, and TexansTogether.

Young had contracted with an instructor of hers, Dr. Kathleen Garland, to prepare a report on EPA guidelines for dealing with toxic waste sites, as applied to other locations around the United States.

Garland teaches at the University of Houston Clear Lake, and is a Geologist and Environmental Management Expert.

Garland worked from existing data, on how the federal EPA had dealt with other toxic Superfund sites similar to the San Jacinto Waste Pits. Young’s hypothesis is that if the cases are similar, and EPA has required removal of toxic materials, then they should call for a similar solution in the San Jacinto River, therefore treating
this in a similar method as others.

Young said that a final decision will be made by the EPA this spring, since the National Remedy Review Board is meeting in April, and announced in a Final Report in September 2015.

Waste Pits in the San Jacinto River received this containment cap, a membrane covered with rocks, in 2013. The “Responsible Parties” are arguing that this is all that needs to be done, but the San Jacinto River Coalition want complete removal.

Rep. Gene Green to host annual job fair

Apr 22, 2015

Over 50 confirmed employers from the public and private sector will be participating and seeking to hire

NORTH CHANNEL – Congressman Gene Green invites constituents to his 13th Annual Job Fair on Monday, April 27th at San Jacinto College North from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“We have employers coming from all over the Houston area, and job opportunities ranging from lifeguards to sales representatives to police cadets,” Green said.

“Changing careers or landing that first job can be challenging. Our hope is that this job fair creates a space where people can meet potential employers from a variety of industries and make that first connection or take that first step.”

The event is being organized in conjunction with Workforce Solutions and the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, and will host over 50 employers that are looking to fill full and part-time, and seasonal positions immediately.

In addition to job opportunities, Workforce Solutions will be offering assistance on interviewing skills and resume critiquing. Attendees should dress professionally and bring resumes. For a full list of participating employers, visit Congressman Gene Green’s website.

San Jacinto College North, Monument Room is located at 5800 Uvalde Road, Houston, TX 77049.

GP/JC COMMUNITY-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP: Panama Canal talk by Bill Diehl

Apr 22, 2015

CAPT. BILL DIEHL, USCG (RET) and President of the Port Bureau

GALENA PARK – Participants in the CIP heard industry reports of safety and emissions last month, but they also heard two interesting talks by industry leaders.

Derrick Bockius, plant manager of the new Kinder-Morgan facility in Galena Park reported that the plant was now on line, and producing about 50,000 gallons/day. This is Unit 1, and Unit 2 will go on line later this year, he said. The distillate product is being sent to local Galena Park companies, and to barges for export. Bockius said that the city of Galena Park should realize about $4 million yearly from this new plant.

Capt. Bill Diehl, president of the Greater Houston Port Bureau, made a detailed slide presentation on the status of the new Panama Canal work, and explained how it would affect commerce in the Houston Port area.

Police chase ends in shooting, suspect killed

Apr 15, 2015

Suspect lies on ground, shot after a high-speed police chase. (Photo courtesy Allan Jamail)

HOUSTON — A suspect is dead after a police chase ended in a shooting Wednesday morning in the North Shore/Channelview area.

According to police, the chase started after Houston Police Officers were conducting an operation near Highway 59 and Crosstimbers when they observed a car making unsafe lane changes. The chase began after a patrol unit did a traffic stop but the driver of the blue Chrysler 300 refused to stop and chase ensued at around 10:40 a.m.

The suspect drove from the Eastex onto Beltway East, then south on the Sam Houston Tollway. Spike strips were used in an attempt to slow down the vehicle, but failed. The chase ended on Wallisville Road and N. Castlegory in Northeast Harris County where the suspect’s car crashed into a small white car. He then lost control and crashed his car into an SUV near the Wendell Ley YMCA.

Channelview FFA auction highlights successful show

Apr 15, 2015

Madisyn Beach shows her Grand Champion Steer at the Channelview ISD Livestock Show at the Allen Hall Fairgrounds on April 11. Beach's steer sold for $6,000. — Madisyn Beach shows her Grand Champion Steer at the Channelview ISD Livestock Show at the Allen Hall Fairgrounds on April 11. Beach’s steer sold for $6,000.

The bids were going fast and furious between prospective buyers and students proudly showed their animals as the auction highlighted the conclusion of the 52nd annual Channelview ISD Livestock Show on Saturday, April 11.

As of press time, funds raised from the livestock sales were still being totaled. Funds from the event go toward the Channelview FFA Scholarship Fund.

The week-long event featured many livestock, horticulture and craft exhibits. In addition, the annual parade took place before the auction with the route traveling between Schochler Elementary and Channelview High School. Longtime FFA supporters and livestock show buyers Walter and Martha Tutor served as Grand Marshalls of the parade.

Of particular interest was the bidding for Madisyn Beach’s Grand Champion Steer, which earned $6,000 with Tutor Security’s winning bid. Alexis Brown’s Reserve Champion Steer also brought in quite a payday, as it was purchased by Tubular Services for $6,500.

Other major winners included:

Stephens EKG bill passed in Texas House

Apr 15, 2015

AUSTIN – Nearly three years since Cody Stephens died of sudden cardiac arrest the Texas House approved HB 767. Cody wore number 76 for the Cougars, but did not have a heart screen done prior to practicing to play for Tarleton State University.

Chairmen Wayne Smith, Dan Huberty, and Sylvester Turner, enabled passage of HB767 on the third reading last Tuesday, the vote went 60 to 40. The day before it had tentatively passed 86 to 57. It was a bi-partisan effort to pass as some Republicans in the House are against any new regulations.

“This is not about somebody making a decision for the school board,” said Scott Stephens, explaining that the bill is really moving the tests performed on potential athletes into the 21st Century.

“The bill would not go into effect until the next school year, 2016-2017,” Stephens said, “that gives the U.I.L. a year to get ready.”

The bill puts the non-invasive electrocardiogram test of heart electrical activity as part of the regular check-up done on high school kids. The bill now allows parents to opt out of having the test done on their child “for any reason.”

The bill unanimously passed the House Education Committee and members of the committee stood and applauded the decision.

NORTH SHORE Rotary prepares for 40th Annual Catfish & Crawfish Boil May 16th

Apr 15, 2015

NORTH SHORE ROTARIAN JIM MILLS, owner of Pineforest Jewelry on Uvalde, displays the Toyota pick-up truck, which is one of the two vehicles that the winner of the Raffle can choose on May 16th. Tickets are available from any Rotarian, or at the Pineforest Jewelry store. Mills dog friend “Dutch” might be able to give you a tip on which ticket will be the lucky one.

NORTH SHORE – Rotarians are busy preparing for their annual fundraiser, the 40th Annual Catfish Fry & Crawfish Boil, that will be held at the Rotary Pavilion next to the Courthouse Annex at 14350 Wallisville Road, Saturday May 16th.

This annual event brings out almost a thousand people each year, eager to try the fresh catfish and crawfish seafood meal and try to win a new car in the raffle.

This year’s prize is either a new Toyota Camry or a Toyota Tundra pick-up, courtesy of Community Toyota in Baytown. There are a total of 20 prizes in the drawing, which costs $100 to enter, and includes 2 meals with your raffle ticket. Also available are meal tickets for a $10 donation for one serving. Food will be served from 11 am to 3 pm, but come early for there is a high demand.

There will also be a entertainment, and a live auction and a silent auction, and each year about 100 unique items are up for bid. There is a lot of interest in this, due to the special types of prizes.

North Shore Rotary uses the proceeds from the event to fund community projects all year long, including youth projects, scholarships, and international projects.

Major Sponsor this year is the Holiday Inn East. Come and have a good time, plenty of free parking.

NORTH CHANNEL CHAMBER: Mattress Mack speaks at luncheon

Apr 15, 2015

By Gilbert Hoffman

I’ve known Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale since about 1980, when we both arrived in Houston from “up north” — he Dallas, me Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have heard him speak dozen of times, yet I never tire of his message, and his delivery. His energy, dedication, and focus is amazing for a man with 300 employees, and major health problems.

His message is about hard work as the key to success, and the importance of the customer and his or her interests.

Over the years, his “stump speech” has been refined, and now it is not just about his life’s story of creating a successful business, but more about the trials, challenges, and triumphs he and his family faced along the way, and the importance of relationships.

Do you know anyone else as optimistic, with a big smile, who has had their building set on fire by an arsonist, undergone major heart surgery, and had a daughter with a serious debilitating disease, OCD?

Mack paced the stage of the San Jacinto Monument Room last Friday, as he told his story to an enthralled room of Chamber members and guests.