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Posts published in “Community”

Mayor Turner, others oppose Concrete Batch plant expansion

January 14, 2020
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other officials held a news conference last Tuesday, to express their opposition to the expansion of a concrete batch plant in Acres Home.

ACRES HOME – Mayor Sylvester Turner and other elected officials and residents stand united against a concrete batch plant expanding near city park in Acres Home.

Mayor Sylvester Turner joined other elected officials, representatives from the city of Houston and residents living near a proposed concrete batch plant to show their opposition to the pollution-causing facility on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 10:30 a.m. at the Highland Park Community Center 3316 De Soto, Houston, TX 77091.

In addition to Mayor Turner, residents and environmental groups, confirmed speakers are:

• Lt. Cheryl Southwell, HPD’s Differential Response Team

• Dr. Loren Hopkins, chief environmental officer for City of Houston Health Department

• Marissa Aho, City of Houston chief resilience officer

• U.S . Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

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Pathway to Prosperity: Local bank introduces home ownership and savings programs

January 14, 2020
Prosperity Bank associates at Little York branch, ready to assist you.

By J.D. Herman

Local financial institutions have long provided important benefits by forging long standing relationships within the communities they serve. Unlike larger corporate banks that rely on volume to generate profits, community banks focus on building lasting relationships. A deep understanding of local needs allows regional banks to provide specialized financial services, something Prosperity Bank has been providing customers for decades.

Founded in 1983, Prosperity Bank built its stellar reputation by focusing on smaller rural communities. Based in El Campo, Prosperity acquired North Houston Bank in 2010. Despite the new name, the Eastex Banking Center had serviced the East Aldine Management District since the 1970s, and many of the managers and tellers have been with the bank for years. In fact, Lending Assistant Sue Luther and Banking Manager Carmen Bernal have been with the branch for over 20 years. This connection to the community is important to note, as loan decisions are handled locally by people who understand the needs of neighborhood families and businesses.

Jack Battle, Eastex Banking Center President believes in a “community banking philosophy where personal relationships and great experiences go hand-in-hand.” Prosperity, which ranks among the top 100 U.S. banks with over $31 billion in assets and 285 banking centers, is helping residents in East Aldine invest in their futures with two programs–HOPP (Home Ownership Possibilities Program) and The Good Cents Savings Program.

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Dr. Archie L. Blanson named Interim President at Lone Star College-North Harris

January 7, 2020
Dr. Archie L. Blanson

HOUSTON (Jan. 2, 2020) – Dr. Archie L. Blanson has been named Lone Star College-North Harris Interim President effective Jan. 2. Blanson succeeds Dr. Gerald Fernandez Napoles who recently accepted a new position as Vice Chancellor/Special Assistant to the Chancellor.

Blanson joins LSC-North Harris from his previous role as Vice Chancellor of Student Success for Lone Star College, overseeing admissions, registration, dual credit, disabilities, enrollment management, and numerous student services activities and partnerships.

Blanson worked closely with LSC-North Harris for more than 20 years, and his commitment to public education runs deep. Prior to joining Lone Star College, Blanson devoted 39 years in education to Aldine ISD, finishing his career as Deputy Superintendent.

Blanson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern University, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Texas Southern University and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Blanson’s history includes vast experience in teaching and administration. At Aldine ISD, his strong skills in planning, budgeting, compliance and innovative thinking helped the district gain state, national and international recognition.

The success Blanson enjoyed at Aldine ISD is evident through his accomplishments and recognitions. (more…)

Aldine Education Foundation to host Sports Spectacular on Jan. 22

January 7, 2020

Aldine Education Foundation will host its first Sports Spectacular for Scholars featuring the Harlem Wizards vs. Aldine All-Stars. The Wizards, known for their amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy, will tip off against Aldine ISD teachers, coaches, and community leaders to provide a fun-filled evening of basketball hi-jinx. The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at M.O. Campbell Educational Center, 1865 Aldine Bender Rd, 77032. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The Harlem Wizards have a mission to create awe-inspiring events throughout the country to help communities raise funds for important causes. Wizards games provide two hours of family time where grandparents, parents, and kids can all laugh together. Even in the stands, you are more than a spectator. The audience becomes a part of the show and there is a guarantee of loads of laughter and audience participation. Throughout the game, fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball-handling, fancy passes, and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and guest interaction.

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East Aldine holds Partner Awards

December 17, 2019
Some of the Awards recipients pose for a photograph after the ceremony, including Sheriff’s deputies Eleazar Agrait, Josue Herrera, and Ronnie Jones, who received the Governmental Award. Also second from left, Abel Garza with the Education Award, Valencia Dotson with the Volunteer award, and Gilbert Hoffman, Chairman’s Award.

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.

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Aldine ISD honors building Namesakes at luncheon

December 17, 2019
Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney visits with former Trustee Marine Jones at the 2019 Namesake Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Jones Middle School is named in Mrs. Jones’ honor.

Many of the schools and buildings in Aldine Independent School District are named after individuals that left an indelible mark in the community. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney reached out to the district’s many namesakes to honor them and let them know their spirit for giving students the best educational experience continues.

Nearly 20 honorees or their family members attended the inaugural Namesake Luncheon held Tuesday, December 10, at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Dr. Goffney, Board Trustee President Steve Mead, and fellow trustees greeted and spoke with honorees.

Dr. Goffney also took a moment to share the new choices and opportunities AISD offers students, the five-year strategic plan, current work, and how it all impacts the future of Aldine.

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East Aldine board honored by Sheriff’s office at monthly meeting

December 10, 2019

In Recognition of their support for the “Sweat IV Vets” program of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Terry Garza presented the East Aldine Board members with a Certificate of Appreciation for the support.

L to R, receiving the award are Board Chairman Gerald Overturff, Carlos Silva, Deborah Foster, Reyes Garcia, Joyce Wiley, Patti Acosta, Deputy Garza, and Gilbert Hoffman.

See Page 3 (print or PDF edition) for additional information about the work of the East Aldine District and its Board of Directors.

EAST ALDINE: Community Forum introduces new faces

December 3, 2019

NORTHEAST – The East Aldine District held their quarterly Community Forum last Thursday at BakerRipley, and used the opportunity to introduce several new educational leaders to the community.

The meeting was chaired by East Aldine’s Richard Cantu, who introduced Jometra Hawkins, the Community Developer representative for BakerRipley, and Diana Del Pilar, the principal of the new Avalos P-Tech high school, part of the Lone Star College’s new building. Also speaking was the dean of the Lone Star College East Aldine campus, Luis Lucio.

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Thanksgiving Turkeys given away by Jackson Lee, Senfronia, others

December 3, 2019
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee gives out 200 Thanksgiving turkeys at Jacinto City’s Heritage Hall. Congresswoman Lee gives out annually 1,500 to 2,000 turkeys in her 18th Congressional District. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Houston, Jacinto City & Harris County – November 26, 2019 — 1,500 plus residents throughout Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s 18th Congressional District received turkeys and pies on her annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Day.

Congresswoman Lee began early each of two mornings and going late into the evenings traveling throughout her district personally handing out turkeys. At each of the 20 stops Lee extended her message of goodwill and wishing a happy Thanksgiving message to approximately 2,000 of her constituents.

This year Congresswoman Lee and her volunteers were joined by Mahesh Rege, Regional Service Coordinator of Region 10, of the Houston Chapter of the Sathya Sai International Organization (SSIO) and his volunteers, Krishna Pallerla, Gayathri Ballingam and Srini Parthasarathy, giving away pies to those in attendance.

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Aldine ISD earns state’s highest fiscal accountability rating for 16th straight year

November 26, 2019

For the 16th consecutive year, Aldine ISD received a rating of “Superior” under Texas’ School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) accountability rating system. The “Superior” rating is the state’s highest, demonstrating the quality of Aldine ISD’s financial management and reporting system.

The primary goal of the School FIRST system is to ensure that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices. The School FIRST system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

The School FIRST system has 15 indicators that are evaluated. The first five indicators are critical indicators and must be met to avoid failure. The other 10 indicators evaluate financial solvency and financial competency.

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