Festive occasion includes Partner Awards
By Gilbert Hoffman
EAST ALDINE – The East Aldine Management District held its Holiday Reception and Partner Awards ceremony last Thursday evening, Dec. 15 in their new headquarters building at Town Center.
It was a festive and colorful occasion, with two decorated Christmas Trees, beautiful and colorful table decorations topped with rose bouquet table settings, and a view outside of the immense 30’ high community lighted Christmas Tree.
Attending the Reception were several hundred guests from Partner organizations, and community representatives of educational and civic groups.
This was the 21st year of service to the Aldine community, and special recognition was given to consultants David Hawes and Susan Hill for their guidance and expertise in establishing the district.
After welcoming remarks from District executive director Richard Cantu, board vice chair Carlos Silva made special opening remarks on behalf of the board of directors, and then introduced guests, board members, officials, and others present. Silva spoke about how the East Aldine District had helped create a sense of community to the area, and gave hope and direction to the residents.
Next on the program was a new video, showing the history of the District, projects accomplished throughout the area, and comments from citizens of the District about how the quality of life has changed and improved over the 21 years of existence of the management district.
Recognition was given to two past board of directors members. Founding director Ray Shotwell passed away this year, and Founding director Joyce Wiley recovered from a stroke and was present at the Reception and gave a brief talk about her years in the district and the changes she has witnessed and been a part of accomplishing.
Guests then were treated to an unusual dinner catered by Mumbasa Street Eats, a start-up located in the kitchens of BakerRipley. The meal included Persian Rice, Eggplant Potato Wedges, Chicken Biryani, and Spiced Beef Meatballs.
Following dinner, executive director Richard Cantu made the announcements of Partner Awards in various categories, and members of the board of directors and others were asked to present the glass plaques onstage with the awardee.
The following Partners were thanked for their support through the year, and given Award recognition:
• Volunteer Award, to Ernesto Contreras;
• Community Partner Award, to Sory Mingo and Rocio Witte, of BakerRipley;
• Public Safety Partner Award, to Harris County Deputy Chris Hernandez;
• Governmental Service Partner Award, to Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia;
• Public Health Partner Award to Hope Clinic, Tabbie Saenz;
• Business Partner Award, to Cafe Guadalupe, Monica Cortez;
• Education Partner Award, to Aldine ISD’s Avalos P-Tech High School, Principal Stephen Heady;
• Board Choice Award in Public Service to State Representative Armando Walle;
• Education Partner Award, to Aldine ISD’s Avalos P-Tech High School, Principal Stephen Heady;
• Board Choice Award in Public Service to State Representative Armando Walle;
In his acceptance remarks, Walle spoke about how the accomplishments of the East Aldine District at Town Center, and the glowing Christmas Tree over his shoulder, were “a symbol of all the hard work you have put into this community.”
Walle continued, “I’m so proud to represent you.”