The East Aldine District held their annual Strategic Partner Awards last Thursday night, at the Greer & Lowdermilk Conference Center in Aldine. The event is meant to honor those citizens or organizations who have contributed during the year to the quality of life improvements that are the goal of the district.
Emcee for the evening was Joyce Wiley, a board member of the East Aldine District. Over a hundred persons attended the festive occasion. Many of them were supporters of the district’s activities.
During the evening, eight awards were presented to individuals or organizations that were “strategic Partners” with the District.
The Chairman’s Award, the major presentation of the evening, went to Gilbert Hoffman, publisher of the Northeast News since 1999. The newspaper has been an advocate for the District and its goals for the last 20 years. Hoffman thanked the district, and in his remarks made the point that many in the audience were the focus of the news due to their work in the Aldine area. The award was presented by Chairman Gerald Overturff, who kidded about his “brotherhood” with Hoffman.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Valencia Dotson for her work with educators and children.
The Community Award went to Dru Gutierrez, now on the board of the YMCA, and previously with Harris County.
The Public Safety Award was given to Westfield Fire Department for their service to the community since 1942.
The Governmental Award went to Sheriff’s deputies Eleazar Agrait, Josue Herrera, and Ronnie Jones, for their efforts to make Aldine a safer place.
The Public Health Award went to Pastor Darryl Broussard, and his Greater Pure Light Church for their leadership in providing health fairs and other services.
The Business of the Year Award went to Manny’s Mexican Grill & Seafood.
The Education Award went to Abel Garza, of the Aldine school district.
Guests were treated to two videos, one showing construction progress of the East Aldine Town Center, and the other a cartoon of the board dancing about in a Jib-Jab manner.