North Channel Star • 5906 Star Lane, Houston, TX 77057 • Phone: 713-266-3444 • Fax: 713-977-1188 • Email: northchannelstar@gmail.com
Jacinto City’s Easter Bunny giving Easter bag goodies to Jacinto City’s Alcala family. John, wife Erica and son Ivan. Saturday, March 27, 2021. (L – R: Bunny Helpers; Mayor Ana Diaz, Councilman Mario Gonzales, Bunny & Councilman Gregg Robinson. Photo by Allan Jamail)
By Allan Jamail
Jacinto City, TX. – Monday, March 29, 2021 will go down in history as one of the most important days in the City’s history. In 1944, its first school — a tiny wooden building originally named the Industrial Elementary School — which contained one office, a small kitchen, cafeteria, and several classrooms with 200 students, now has been transformed to the latest state-of-the-art school. In 1947, the city of Jacinto City was incorporated and the name of the school was changed to Jacinto City Elementary.
Two years after the May, 29, 2019 ground-breaking ceremony, the new two-story, $26+ million school, home of the Tigers (mascot), has the most latest technological advances available. It will accommodate grades Pre-K through 5th grade.
The North Shore Rotary Club is planning their 46th Annual Rotary Fundraising Event, a Fish Fry without the fish this year, due to the Pandemic. Instead of the Rotary Pavilion on Wallisville, it will be held on May 15, 2021 at Turner Chevrolet.
During the past 46 years, the North Shore Rotary has raised millions of dollars that this great organization has then invested back into our communities. Each year the North Shore Rotary “Catfish Fry & Crawfish Boil” remains one of the most exciting events of the year. Rotary identifies many people and causes needing assistance during the year. ‘Service Above Self’ is a way of life for all Rotarians and it is that commitment that drives each of us to help those in need.
This year (like last year) COVID has not made it possible for us to have the fish fry part of the event and, while we will miss that part this year, safety is the most important aspect of any event. However, the Rotary MEGA Raffle will absolutely be held on May 15, 2021 at Turner Chevrolet and here are some of the great prizes you could win:
* Choice of 2021 Chevrolet Camaro or Colorado
By Allan Jamail
Jacinto City, TX. – At the Jacinto City council meeting members of the Jacinto City Police Department were recognized for their outstanding performance in the investigation and apprehension of several dangerous crime suspects. Multiple felony criminal cases were solved involving aggravated robberies, house burglaries, vehicle burglaries, stolen credit cards and stolen motor vehicles. The suspects after being booked were transferred to the Harris County Jail and are awaiting their trials.
According to Jimmy Sumbera, Administrator for Harris County ESD No. 50, and the Channelview Fire Department, a reclassification of the ISO rating for the department will have possible benefits to Channelview property owners. This information may reduce your insurance rates, but you must notify your insurance company of this change. The reduction in your homeowner’s policy will not be automatic. Channelview Fire Department is getting the word out to the community related to the upcoming change in our ISO Public Protection Classification rating. For the past year the fire department has been working with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) to have Channelview Fire Department evaluated for a reclassification. The PPC Classes range from 1 to 10 with a Class 1 providing the best fire protect and also resulting in the best insurance rates. Channelview is currently a Class 6.
East Harris County, Texas – March 2, 2021 – East Harris County Empowerment Council (EHCEC) hires Val Senegal as Director of Resource Development.
A Louisiana native, Val Senegal, has been recently named as the Director of Resource Development for East Harris County Empowerment Council.
As a former AmeriCorps member, public school teacher, and political candidate, Senegal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience addressing the subject matters of public safety, affordable insurance, education, behavioral health, and mental health within both the public and private sectors. Her extensive experiences as both a change agent and an employee-centric leadership professional will complement the initiatives of EHCEC. Senegal will lead EHCEC’s fundraising & volunteer initiatives. Terence Narcisse, Founder & CEO of EHCEC, said, “We’re very excited to have Val join our team. Her experience, knowledge, and management capabilities will propel us to the next level!”
By Jada Mier
Dr. Allatia Harris was sworn in as Board chairman for the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, virtually via Zoom at the first Chamber Board meeting of the year. Harris County Justice of the Peace Lucia Bates performed the ceremony, and additional officers and directors took the oath that morning to “promote business growth and quality of life in the North Channel Area.”
Raised in Dallas, Harris attended the University of North Texas, where she majored in Communications, obtaining her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. Dr. Harris holds a doctorate in educational administration with a specialization in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin where she has been recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. After being in administration in the Dallas county community colleges, a presidency opened up at the San Jacinto Community College North Campus. Not wanting to leave Dallas, Harris was hesitant to interview; when she went to the campus, she fell in love with the North Channel community.
By Allan Jamail
East Houston, TX. – March 17, 2021 the East Houston Hospital & Clinic located in Houston’s North Channel area (12950 East Freeway) is quickly making a positive name for itself by providing the best quality and convenient patient experience for most any medical services provided at Houston’s Medical Center. To review all their services, visit: www.adhealthcare.com
North Channel Star writer Allan Jamail said, “Since the start of the virus vaccinations I have seen many other locations and facilities administering the life-saving vaccine but nothing compared to the vaccination process I witnessed today at the East Houston Hospital & Clinic. CEO Rubin Shah was personally on hand making sure their streamlined process was going as planned.”
“Hilda Bentley, RN-Director of Surgical Services, kept her eyes on every phase of the processes, ensuring top quality medical practices were maintained.”
Patients weren’t having to wait long to get their shot, mostly moving in and out in approximately 30 minutes total time.
Harris County, TX — Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Precinct 2 received the prestigious American City & County 2020 Crown Communities Award. Garcia and Precinct 2 were chosen for their entry, which described the purchase, installation, and deployment of two SmartPod mobile health care units designed by Baylor. Precinct 2’s SmartPods are known as ACCESS2HEALTH.
Crown Communities Awards are based on uniqueness, short- and long-term value to the community and effective/innovative financing. The announcement cites ACCESS2HEALTH for its “Innovative COVID-19 Emergency Response.” Though the two ACCESS2HEALTH units were purchased prior to the pandemic, once installed, their availability for remote COVID-19 testing was of immediate value that continues today. Once COVID-19 is no longer the most pressing health issue of the times, ACCESS2HEALTH can be converted to provide clinical and behavioral health services, ultimately providing patients with a medical home.
HOUSTON, TX (Wednesday, February 3, 2021) – The Harris County Housing Authority (HCHA), Harris County – Community Services Department (HCCSD), Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and development partner LDG Development (LDG) celebrate the groundbreaking of The Hollows, a multi-family development to replace housing lost during Hurricane Harvey. The development will be financed with Harris County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds in conjunction with construction and private permanent financing from Citi Community Capital and tax credit equity from Hunt Capital Partners.
This $39.35 million community’s groundbreaking will create 192 beautiful new apartment homes for families seeking quality housing in the Channelview area. A virtual groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
“We are pleased to partner with LDG. Development to provide much-needed quality housing for Harris County families,” said Horace Allison, AIA., Executive Director and CEO of Harris County Housing Authority. “This multi-family housing community will replace housing resources lost during Hurricane Harvey while adding an attractive, viable, and valuable asset to the neighborhood.”
The Hollows will provide a wide array of amenities to the families it serves, including a fully equipped clubhouse, business center, fitness center, laundry facilities, a swimming pool with a sun deck, and a playground.
“The Hollows project is one of sixteen the Harris County Community Services Department is supporting with the use of HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery funds in the effort to replenish housing stock lost from several past disasters,” said CSD Director Dr. Adrienne Holloway. “These developments provide a significant investment in the effort to provide affordable housing for all who live and work in Harris County.”
By Jada Mier
The community for many years has depended upon and supported the Wendel Ley Family YMCA on Wallisville Rd. for athletic programs and social activities. Now with the pandemic limiting personal interaction, the YMCA must find new ways to offer services, such as virtual classes and reservations to use facilities within the building.
The current pandemic has exposed critical issues that require more action from the Y than ever before. The organization’s new direction for 2021 will highlight the Y’s community impact beyond its buildings and provide opportunities such as its new Impact Membership, giving Houstonians a chance to make a difference with the Y.
On the COVID front Jessica Bains, Director of Operations, chimed in on how the services have changed in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.