Posts published in “Community”

San Jacinto College has $1.3 billion impact on local economy

Jan 10, 2019

College’s effect equals 2.4 percent of region’s total gross regional product

PASADENA, Texas – A recent study has found that San Jacinto College had a $1.3 billion impact on the region’s economy in fiscal year 2016-17.

The study, conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), reported that the impacts created during the 2016-17 fiscal year are comprised of $143 million in added income from operations spending, $24.4 million from student spending, and another $1.1 billion from alumni. The College’s impact equals 2.4 percent of the regions gross regional product, and a total of 13,044 jobs.

“This study takes into account the investments of our students, our taxpayers, and our communities,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “It reflects our ongoing efforts and commitment to improve our communities and the Gulf Coast region by providing an educated and skilled workforce, and offering our students a quality education that allows them to pursue a San Jacinto College has $1.3 billion impact on local economy College’s effect equals 2.4 percent of region’s total gross regional product higher education credential or gain and maintain employment in high-demand careers.”

In return for their investment in the College, the present value of the higher future earnings that San Jac’s students will receive over their working careers is $1.6 billion. This amounts to a return of $6.30 in higher future earnings for every dollar that students invest in their education. The study also found that students receive a 19.8 percent annual return on their investment in a San Jacinto College education.

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Congresswoman Garcia visits Jacinto City Health Care

Jan 3, 2019

December 19, 2018 — Santa Claus (Roger Matheny) and Congresswoman elect Sylvia Garcia made a visit to the residents at Jacinto City Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. The Christmas party was a thrill to everyone both residents and health care workers. Garcia said seeing the happy faces on the residents was the best Christmas present she could ever ask for.

If you would like to help on the upcoming Easter party, please contact NC Star writer Allan Jamail at: allanj211@aol.com

Galena Manor Civic Club holds Christmas Party

Dec 20, 2018

The Galena Manor Civic Club came together for their annual Christmas party at the Galena Park Alvin Baggett Community Center. President Rosemary Coreathers and club officers put together a Christmas celebration dinner with delicious food and desserts. Members enjoyed traditional Christmas music mixed with religious and spiritual songs. Drawings for door prizes was exciting and fun filled for everyone.

The 2019 membership drive is underway, and anyone interested in joining can call President Coreathers at 832-755-6294 or email coreathers@yahoo.com to learn how they can join the club.

The civic club meets monthly on the 3rd Monday at 6 PM at the Alvin Baggett Community Center, 1302 Keene Street, Galena Park, Texas. Citizens interested in joining the civic club can come to a monthly meeting to learn the benefits of being a member.

Local Fire Departments, school district partner for Christmas toy drive

Dec 13, 2018

DeZavala Elementary School students showed their appreciation to the Channelview Fire Department and the Cloverleaf Fire Department during the 5th Annual Toy Drive.

Channelview Independent School District was proud to partner with the Channelview Fire Department and the Cloverleaf Fire Department for the Annual Community Toy Drive. The joyful event took place at Panera Bread on Saturday, December 8th, 2018. Holiday tunes filled the air as Channelview ISD choirs from Brown Elementary, Cobb Elementary, Crenshaw Elementary, DeZavala Elementary, Schochler Elementary, and Alice Johnson Junior High entertained guests who showed their holiday spirit by donating toys, gift cards, and money.

The Community Toy Drive “Every Child Deserves a Christmas” was designed to brighten Christmas for children in the North Channel Community. Corporate sponsors for the 2018 Community Toy Drive were Arkema, Caterpillar, Channelview Ministry Team, Ctab Disaster Relief, Houston Responds, LyondellBasell, and Solar Turbines (a Caterpillar Company).

Christmas arrives at Jacinto City

Dec 6, 2018

Christmas Parade Marks the Holiday Season start

Jacinto City Pre-School Gingerbread House, one of the many participants at the Jacinto City’s annual Christmas parade held last Saturday, December 1, 2018.

Elected officials hayride in the annual Jacinto City Christmas Parade L – R seated: Senator Sylvia Garcia, Tara Dennis, (Congresswoman Lee’s District Director) Helen Green, Mayor Ana Diaz. L – R standing: City Council Maria Gonzales, Allen Lee, Carmela Garcia, State Rep. Ana Hernandez, City Councilmen Gregg Robinson, Jimmy “ JJ “ Rivas, Congressman Gene Green and Pct. 2 Constable Chris Diaz.

Photos by Allan Jamail

SanJac Board of Trustees authorizes development at Generation Park

Dec 6, 2018

San Jacinto College aims to open new facility by fall 2020

PASADENA, Texas – The San Jacinto College Board of Trustees has authorized College administration to plan, develop and construct a new facility at Generation Park, located in Northeast Harris County in the northernmost edge of the San Jacinto College taxing area.

The College owns 56.826 acres in a central portion of Generation Park, which is one of the fastest growing areas in Houston. The current development proposal consists of a 50,000 square foot facility to accommodate general education and other academic classes. Additional buildout on the land at Generation Park will move forward in the future as demand dictates. The current proposal includes the necessary infrastructure, parking and other amenities to accommodate the first phase of development.

“We have conducted extensive research on the areas surrounding Generation Park to ensure that the first phase of development provides flexible instructional spaces to meet the needs of the growing region,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “We know that growth is occurring more rapidly in that part of Houston, and we are committed to responding to the higher education needs of the residential and business populations.”

In a demographic study conducted by the College, it was determined that over the next decade the fastest growing population growth is projected to be concentrated near the northern and southern boundaries of the district. Several of the fastest growing zip codes in the Houston area are adjacent to the proposed Generation Park Campus, and the population around Generation Park is growing at approximately twice the rate of the rest of the College district. It is expected that the majority of the students that attend the Generation Park Campus will be new to the district. This campus will also be designed to meet the workforce needs of the businesses in the region.

Upon selection of a construction manager-at-risk and architect for the project, the College will begin the design phase for the new facility. The goal is to open the new campus for classes in fall 2020. (more…)

Sheldon ISD breaks ground for new elementary school

Nov 29, 2018

Pictured (from left) are Sheldon ISD Board President Fred Rivas, Board Vice President Latricia Archie, Board Member Debbie Kolacny, Board Member Angela Cormier and Superintendent King Davis at the groundbreaking site for the new Sheldon ISD elementary school which took place last month.

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Judge Joe Stephens donates 1300 Turkeys to needy families

Nov 22, 2018

Judge Stephens ready for turkeys’ distribution.

Judge Joe Stephens continues his tradition of generosity by donating turkeys to needy families in the area. Judge Stephens collaborated with Ronny Dwairy, Constable Sherman Eagleton and Christian Tabernacle to purchase and distribute 1300 turkeys to those in need in 5 different communities.

The turkey giveaway was a weekend long event starting on Friday, November 16th with 450 turkeys given out in the North Shore Area. The donations continued on Saturday when Judge Stephens and volunteers set up in North East Houston, Barrett Station, Baytown and Sheldon.

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Neighborhood questions plans for Wood Shadows II Hike and Bike Trail

Nov 15, 2018

Concerned Wood Shadows II resident’s and Lisa Kasianowitz, Houston Parks Board Outreach Manager (foreground) conducted the meeting and Chip Place (hand raised), Managing Director of Capital Projects for the Houston Parks Board together explained the intentions of the Parks Boards trail. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Houston, TX. – Friday, October 26, 2018 — Members of the Houston Parks Board met with citizens of the Wood Shadows II Subdivision, where a proposed hike and bike trail is in the pre-construction stage. The trail, if completed, will be placed on the northern side of the Kinder Morgan pipeline right-of-way easement, beginning at Maxey Road, going westward approximately two or three hundred feet behind the homes along the 11600 block of Lafferty Oaks Street.

Lisa Kasianowitz, Outreach Manager (in photo foreground), conducted the meeting and Chip Place (hand raised), Managing Director of Capital Projects for the Houston Parks Board, together explained the intentions of the Parks Boards trail and answered questions of the concerned citizens present.

Kasianowitz and Place explained it as part of Bayou Greenways 2020. The Houston Parks Board is working on a new greenway segment for the Hunting Bayou Greenway, which will ultimately connect from Manitou Drive near 610, through Herman Brown Park, to Maxey Park along Maxey Road, with the trail connecting into the existing trail network in Herman Brown Park in the middle. Construction is tentatively set for spring/summer of 2019.

Citizens were concerned about an increase in walking and vehicular traffic in their neighborhood, which could then bring an increase in crime, as well as crowded street parking in front of their homes from people driving there to use the trail. Police surveillance for security to prevent thefts and break-ins of their homes, and maintenance of the trail to prevent littering issues, were raised.

Iris Jones, a nearby homeowner, said, “For 30 years we have lived peacefully in Wood Shadows II subdivision. Since Hurricane Harvey we’ve had an increase in crime in our neighborhood, making it unsafe to use our front yards, so our backyards are now our safe havens. To erect an unlit walking trail so close behind our homes is dangerous, unwise, and totally unacceptable!”

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Chamber EXPO salutes Veterans, First Responders

Nov 15, 2018

PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS is performed by the C.E. King High School Air Force Junior ROTC at the North Channel Chamber EXPO and Salute. On the stage are members of the area service clubs, including the Pilot Club, North Shore Rotary, and Galena Park/Jacinto City Rotary, who held their club meetings as part of the event.

Channelview Education Foundation was the major sponsor of the event. Superintendent Greg Ollis poses with Channelview members.

Bill Palko, at right, was the emcee for the event. Bill, a veteran himself, poses with the North Shore Rotary where he is a member.

3rd annual Regatta held on Greens Bayou Paddle Trail

Nov 15, 2018

Paddlers came, paddled hard and raised over $10,000 in support of the Greens Bayou Paddle Trail. It was a successful event.

Ninety-five participants raced down the Bayou on Saturday, October 13 at the 3rd Annual Greens Bayou Regatta. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle gave inspiring words to cast the racers on their way from Brock Park Golf Course.

Fifty-nine boats arrived at Thomas Bell Foster Park for the finish line festivities, set up by Doug Coenen and a small army of outstanding volunteers. Thomas Bell Foster Park is a recipient of tremendous recent enhancements thanks to Global Care Day volunteers from LyondellBasell and contractor services by Craig & Heidt, Inc. Racers cruised into the newly cleared takeout site with ease and spectators welcomed them from the grassy bank.

Racers then enjoyed a delicious hot meal donated and prepared by Mr. Barry Ross and his family and graciously served up by Rita Rodriguez and her crew. 11 Below Brewing ensured participants had the option of enjoying a cold beer after a long 7.5 mile paddle. During the closing ceremony, SWA Group was awarded the Corporate Cup with Jacob Galles and Garett Dietrick coming in first place (1:47:57) and Clark Condon’s Spencer Harvey and Jake Salzman in a close second (1:48:10). All other results from the race can be found here. Port Houston’s team, Garret Berg and Fatima DeLeon won The Styrofoam Cup – the award for most trash collected along the racecourse. They hauled in a canoe full of plastic bottles, Styrofoam products and even a cooler!

The Top Individual Fundraiser was Christina Domalakes who won gear donated by Whole Earth Provision Co. She raised over $500 in sponsorship from friends, family and co-workers! This has set a record for the most raised by a single person!

In total, the event raised $11,010 to continue developing access points to launch boats on Greens Bayou. The Coalition aims to increase recreational opportunity to an underutilized waterway for a most deserving community. They will continue to partner with organizations such as Houston Parks Board to establish pocket parks and kayak launches on Greens Bayou.

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