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Posts published in “Community”

Vaccine Registration available in city

January 19, 2021

HOUSTON – The Houston Health Department launched today online registration allowing Houstonians at the highest risk of coronavirus disease to schedule appointments to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations. A Spanish version is anticipated to launch later in the day.

People age 65 and older and people age 18 and older with at least one chronic medical condition putting them at increased risk of severe illness and death may sign up to get the vaccine at HoustonEmergency.org/COVID19.

These groups are prioritized as Phase 1B of the State of Texas’s vaccine distribution plan.

Frontlines healthcare workers who have yet to receive the vaccine also are eligible to sign up to get the shot through the health department. Healthcare workers are grouped as part of Phase 1A distribution.

Appointments are also available through the health department’s COVID-19 call center by calling 832-393-4220. The call center is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hours extended until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS: County libraries provide service in spite of Pandemic

January 19, 2021
HIGH MEADOWS HARRIS COUNTY BRANCH LIBRARY IN ALDINE

By Jada Mier

Harris County Branch Libraries Celebrates 100 years of Service and Continue modified services during the Pandemic.

This year HCPL celebrates the library’s first one hundred years and its commitment to remain a vital and vibrant asset for the people of Harris County.

Edward Melton, HCPL’s Executive Director, says, “The growth, progress and innovation you see in the library’s story over its first one hundred years mirrors that of Harris County.”

In preparation for their Centennial, HCPL librarians, for the first time, began systematically collecting and digitizing materials to document the library’s history. Their efforts resulted in the HCPL Digital Archive, an ongoing collection of photos, articles, scrapbooks, and videos of HCPL since 1921. Each month in 2021, the Archive will present digital exhibits to tell a specific story – bookmobiles, important people at HCPL, hurricanes and other disasters. It will also feature each of HCPL’s 26 branches throughout 2021, with detailed timelines that trace the library’s century long commitment to serve Harris County residents.

Although Harris County Branch Libraries have been closed to the public since the end of March 2020, the libraries have had alternatively a strong online presence by posting virtual programs to Facebook and Instagram pages. Since people can no longer walk into library buildings to browse books or utilize the rows of computers, the new curbside services have made it possible for citizens to still obtain materials and print needed documents.

East Aldine District DRIVE & DASH distributes 500 gifts

January 5, 2021
Drive & Dash organizers included Natalie Perez, Natalie Lumbreras, Santa, and Veronica Sanches.

East Aldine District was in the Holiday spirit last Saturday, Dec. 19th when they held a Christmas Drive & Dash Toy giveaway at the Town Center on Aldine Mail Route.

The drive was the idea of Natalie Lumbreras, who saw the success of the Halloween Caravan, which gave out sweets and treats through the East Aldine neighborhoods, and she thought a similar community event would be appropriate for Christmas.

Over 500 toys were collected or donated by sponsors, and given out on Saturday, as families drove through the Lone Star College parking lot.

Pct. 2 breaks ground for James Driver All-Inclusive Park

December 22, 2020
Conceptual View shows the extensive development of the park, with facilities developed especially for people of all ages with limited abilities.

Built for people of all ages and abilities

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia proudly broke ground on the expansion of James Driver Park last Wednesday. The expansion, the first of its kind in Precinct 2, will make James Driver Park an all-inclusive park, a regional destination for persons of all ages and abilities. Local community members and leaders, including Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado and Texas State Representative Armando Walle, celebrated the exciting occasion at the park on Wednesday, December 16th.

The official groundbreaking for the new James Driver Park took place last Wednesday, Dec. 16. Speaking at the ceremony were Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, State Senator Carol Alvarado, and State Representative Armando Walle.

“We have to make sure that we recognize the fact that people, children in particular, with physical and cognitive disabilities are among the largest underrepresented minority groups in the Houston/ Harris County area, and we need to do more for them,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “This park will be addressing an entire spectrum of special needs – a space where children with disabilities can play alongside with friends and siblings, as well as their parents, caregivers, physical therapists, educators, or even physicians.”

The $7.6 million project, has already been recognized as having an important role in the county. Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded the park a $1.5 million grant to transform James Driver Park to a space for residents of all ages and abilities to exercise, socialize, and play. Located in an underserved part of Harris County, this expansion project should also help to revitalize the surrounding community and will serve as a destination to visitors of the city.

Kowis Street rebuild will tie together Pct. 2 trails with Driver Park & Northeast Community Ctr.

December 15, 2020
NOTES ON THE DRAWING:
A. Halls Bayou, Seating Area, benches, special paving, landscaping
B. 10′ high concrete wall screening wastewater treatment plan, faux vine covered lattice, new street trees, painted murals on wall
C. new on-street parking for church, decorative LED street lights, enhanced landscaping
D. 8′ sidewalk from Comm. Ctr. to Halls Bayou, Crosswalk special paving, seating along walkway with benches, special paving and landscaping
E. same
F. crosswalk at Bentley Street with special paving, 8′ trail/walk ends here with James Drive Park beyond, bus shelter on Bentley
**The public is asked for feedback, especially on the area marked SEE OPTION ENLARGEMENTS where Kowis meets Halls Bayou trails. Send comments to Pct. 2, Amery Reid, at 713-274-2356, or amery.reid@pct2.hctx.net.**

Commissioner Garcia’s Vision in Progress

By Jada Mier

EAST ALDINE – Commissioner Adrian Garcia continues his mission to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of Precinct 2 with his Kowis Street reconstruction project.

The Northeast News spoke with Garcia and his Project Manager, Ray Guerra, who says, “This project is the first in Texas seeking Envision verification,” which specializes in sustainable infrastructure.

Although still in its study phase, Garcia hopes to put the project up for bid in the second quarter of next year. The reconstruction of Kowis Street from the Halls Bayou Hike and Bike Trail to James Driver Park is part of his plan to connect the whole precinct through their parks, hike, and bike trails.

Improvements will be made to the existing bridge connecting two 8 ft trails. A crosswalk and a landscaped median will be added to Royale Pine as it transitions into Kowis street.

The project’s cost is 4.8 million dollars, including traffic calming concepts and pedestrian streetlights.

Saldivar named president of Lone Star College System board

December 15, 2020
MYRIAM SALDIVAR

HOUSTON (Dec. 11, 2020) – The Lone Star College System Board of Trustees selected Myriam Saldívar to serve as chair of the board at its Dec. 10 workshop and regular meeting. Saldívar represents District 6 in the Lone Star College System.

“I would like to thank my fellow board members for the honor of serving as board chair,” said Saldívar. “I look forward to working with Dr. Head and my colleagues to ensure our students continue to have access to educational opportunities that keep our community strong and healthy.”

Other officer positions appointed by the board were Michael Stoma, vice chair (District 1); Iesheia Ayers-Wilson, secretary (District 3); and Mike Sullivan, assistant secretary (District 8).

“I am grateful to all the trustees for the work they do each and every day,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. “Their dedication to student success is truly inspiring.”

Pct. 2 delivers 1400 Thanksgiving dinners

December 1, 2020
Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, at center, poses with workers and volunteers that gave out these food boxes and Turkeys for Thanksgiving to 1400 families that registered their need.

Harris County Precinct 2 — Commissioner Adrian Garcia hosted “Turkey Thursday” last Thursday, where he distributed turkeys to families at 10 Harris County Precinct 2 Community Centers.

Each location gave out 140 turkeys to registered families. This is the first time in Harris County history a precinct distributes a total of 1,400 turkeys in one day.

“Turkey Thursday” was possible thanks to partnership with non-profit Precinct2Gether, HEB Grocery Stores, and Partners in Primary Care.

Aldine schools help with Food Drive, and Meal Distribution at Stehlik Elem., Teague MS, and others

December 1, 2020
Stehlik teacher helps carry a box of food.

ALDINE – It was a cloudy morning filled with sunny smiles on Friday, November 20 at Stehlik Elementary in Aldine ISD. Stehlik hosted a food drive to support students, families, and community members. Texas State Representative Armando Walle and Lone Star Trustee Myriam Saldivar surprised the campus with a $750 donation to support the food drive.

“I am truly speechless,” said Karen Wilkerson, principal of Stehlik Elementary. “The donation is needed this year. We know our families and the community has been hit hard financially, due to the economic impact of the pandemic. We are a family and we take care of each other.”

Teague Middle School Provides Families With Food for Thanksgiving

Message from Superintendent Goffney

December 1, 2020

Message From the Superintendent, Nov. 17, 2020

Dear Aldine Community,

We are just a few days away from Thanksgiving break. As a reminder, district buildings and campuses will be closed between November 23-27. Families can pick up free meal bundles today and Thursday. Classes will resume Monday, Nov. 30, with curbside meal service resuming on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

I’m sure our entire community is ready to take some time away from our routines to rest and reflect with loved ones. However, as COVID-19 numbers continue increasing throughout Texas and in our community, please remember to exercise safe judgment during this time. Check out this advice from a Houston-area infectious disease physician about how to celebrate family gatherings safely during the holidays.

In this week’s message, I have some important updates related to the remainder of the fall semester. I ask that you read through them carefully so that you don’t miss any crucial actions required.

FLOODING RELIEF: Precinct 2 cleans 1 million feet of ditches

November 10, 2020
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia explains that cleaning ditches prevents future flooding, and is his priority. He credits the public works crews in the background for their hard work, even through the Pandemic.

Harris County PCT. 2 — Since being elected into office, Commissioner Adrian Garcia has made drainage maintenance a major priority. This week, he celebrated the completion of 1 million linear feet of ditching in Precinct 2.

Roadside ditching and drainage maintenance improves water conveyance to drainage outfalls, which helps in the reduction of potential flooding for residents and businesses. Without proper maintenance, standing water can penetrate and seep under road surfaces causing deterioration, which in turn, requires more frequent, costly road repairs, and neighborhood flooding. Many neighborhoods that have not been serviced in years now have clean, excavated ditches.