Clear Creek ISD teachers and staff get generous pay hike

August 1st, 2019

The Clear Creek School District has announced a significant compensation package for its nearly 5,000 employees — a package that includes a 4% to 9.49% pay raise for classroom teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses, new competitive hourly rate for school bus drivers, an increase in the district’s contribution to employee health care premiums and an across the board 3.5% increase for all other employees.

“The success of our school district is contingent on recruiting and retaining a high quality staff,” said Dr. Greg Smith, superintendent of schools. “This board-approved compensation package reflects our commitment to our employees and ensures Clear Creek ISD is a destination for those who have a heart for children.”

On Monday, July 22, the Clear Creek School Board unanimously approved $11.3 million in direct salary increases for existing employees as well as $370,000 to offset the rising cost of healthcare premiums for those employees on TRSActive Care. As part of the overall compensation package, the district will also increase the starting salary for teachers from $53,600 to $55,750.

Under House Bill 3, the Texas Legislature approved new funding for public education. Clear Creek ISD is projected to receive $14.7 million in additional school funding. The school district is investing more than $14.2 million of that increase in employees through pay raises, health care contributions, starting salaries, and new staff for a growing school district.

“The board is pleased to far surpass the legal requirements under House Bill 3. The school board values each employee, from our bus drivers to our teachers. We know what they do every day positively impacts children’s lives,” said Board President Dr. Laura DuPont.

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Grand Opening Night At Cut Foil Benefits Longhorn Project

August 1st, 2019

By Alisa Star

Cut Foil wine and Piano Bar held several great and exciting events this past month. On Saturday July 6, a benefit for the Longhorn project was held and featured music by Jason Allcorn, who rocked the house with country music.

The Longhorn Project is committed to agricultural education. It is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on educational project. The Longhorn Project is a well known center of agriculture, science and engineering. It is located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center on a 53 acre tract of land for grazing, complete with an 11 acre feeding lot and 7 acre garden area. The area consists of garden plots, a greenhouse, orchards, compost containers, aquaculture ponds and paver patio with a beautiful waterfall. The Western Heritage Pavilion was built and donated by the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo.

Under the direction of project manager, Henry Wilson, a select team of FFA students learn and care for the trophy steer herd, raising and exhibiting 25 longhorns at numerous shows across the state of Texas. The project is challenging and is a major responsibility for all the students involved. They are all proud to be a part of this unique opportunity.
Cut Foil hosted a silent and live auction to help raise money for the Longhorn Project. Chairperson Andrea Wilson kicked off the event. There was a lot of excitement and bidding wars.

Rick Clapp conducted the live auction and the passing of the cowboy hat to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. Over $3,000 dollars was raised for the Longhorn Project. There was fun and exciting bidding on all the auction items. Some of the items included a BBQ dinner for eight, a photo of the longhorns, and a case of wine donated by Derek and Robin Holk. A tour of rocket park and lunch with retired Johnson Space Center Director George Abby was a hotly bidded item. A horse painting, a nice dinner gift card package and bottle of wine with glasses for two was donated by Bay Area Houston Magazine. Some of the auction winners included Tom Herman, Alisa Star and Rick Clapp to name a few. A special thanks goes to Derek and Robin Holk, and a great time was enjoyed by all.

Cut Foil is located at 20801 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 next to the Fitness Connection. For information on live music and upcoming events, visit online at www.cutfoil.com or like them on Facebook.

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Love Languages

August 1st, 2019

Lillie Heintz. Photo by Christopher Horne

By Lilli Heintz

We all want people to feel satisfied in a relationship whether it’s a friendship, marriage, or dating. We have this need that has to be filled whether it is through action, words, touch, gifts, and even time. Some people don’t know what it is that needs to be filled.

In the environment I work in, the models around me are into zodiac signs and how we act the way we act because of the time and place we were born and how the planets aligned. Even though I do find that satisfying and believe it to some extent, I feel like learning how to satisfy someone’s needs and wants so that they feel comfortable around you, interests me more. I remember my Dad, Pastor Brad of Living Word Church, did a series about love languages. The whole church read the book so that we could apply it to our lives. If you don’t know your love language I definitely suggest reading the book called “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. There are also tests online that you can take to get a more accurate description of your own love language.

When I took the test, it told me that physical touch was number one and quality time was a very close second. That means what fulfills me and makes me happy is hugging you, holding hands, kissing, cuddling, putting my feet on you while sitting down. I show and want that type of love and affection. Then quality time comes into play. Where I just want to spend time with you, be at the same party, in the same room, just you and me or even a huge group of people. I just love physically being with them and or around them.
The other love languages are words of affirmation, which is where you need to be encouraged, supported, built up, to feel comfortable or wanted. The love language of gifts shows thoughtfulness and the action behind the gift is important. And finally, acts of service are when you do something for someone to make them happy or fulfill a need. It can include making a meal, cleaning; any act of service that would make the other person happy makes you happy.

Knowing your own love language is important but also knowing your friends or significant other’s love language is just as important. Some people might not have the same love languages as you. When I make new friends and I want to keep them around, I try to find out their love language. Sometimes I even have them take the test to make sure I am right. I want to satisfy their needs or want and know how to act in serious or fun situations. I don’t want to smother them or say the wrong thing because I don’t know what they are wanting. They might want a gift or an action. This also shows how Acts of Service is my third love language. Knowing others’ love language helps build a better foundation for your relationship to grow and be better from the start.

I am always trying to make sure the people around me are being taken care of the best way possible. I love knowing how I need to make a person happy or comfortable, it just makes me happy. Knowing this information can really better you as a person and better the relationships surrounding you.

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Historic agreement reached on Clear Creek flood project

August 1st, 2019

Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX) commended the Army Corps of Engineers and the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) June 12 for reaching a historic agreement that will allow HCFCD to lead construction of the Clear Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project.

This agreement will transfer primary authority and funding for the Clear Creek project to HCFCD, he said, noting that authority to make this transfer from the Corps to a local sponsor like HCFCD has only been used once previously and the first time for a full project. This action will allow work on the project to begin much sooner, providing critical help for communities along Clear Creek.

“The Clear Creek project was first authorized in 1968 and federal bureaucracy has delayed this critical project for over half a century,” Olson said. “I’ve fought to get this project funded and completed since my time as a senior staffer in the Senate. I was thrilled to get it included in our Harvey disaster recovery projects and now it will move quickly and help manage flooding in a strategic part of our region.  I applaud the Army Corps and Harris County Flood Control for reaching this historic agreement to help finally get this project completed.”

State Rep. Dennis Paul added, “I am glad to see the Army Corps of Engineers working with our local flood officials is finally starting, and doing what they can to speed up the process to get flood mitigation on Clear Creek going. This has been the result of a lot of hard work by our federal, state and local elected officials working together to get this project started.”
“Congressman Olson has been working on the Clear Creek project since he was a senior Senate staffer, long before he was elected to Congress,” Russ Poppe, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District said. “We deeply appreciate his years of dedication to seeing this project come to fruition through the signing of this PPA, as well the entire Harris County delegation who all work tirelessly to give us more tools to address flooding in our Gulf Coast region.”

Olson helped secure the $295 million for the Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction project in the 2018 Disaster Supplemental funding bill. Olson also sent the Army Corps of Engineers a letter urging quick action to complete the Clear Creek Project in February.

The Clear Creek Project is a Flood Risk Management project that was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1968. The project is located in Harris and Brazoria counties, Texas, with 17 cities within the watershed. Now that the PPA is signed, HCFCD will execute construction and the remaining design. The estimated completion date is September 2025.

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Business Buzz

August 1st, 2019

Port Houston Commission Chairman Ric Campos, second from left, arrives at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership reception in his honor at the Marriott Hotel on the Gulf Freeway. Among those welcoming him were, from left, BayTran Chairman Carl Joiner and Lockwood Andrews Vice President Steve Gilbreath and Facilities Engineer Jack Drake.

BayTran welcomes new port chairman
Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership members got a rare treat when they hosted a reception recently for the new chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, Ric Campo.

BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez and Chairman Carl Joiner introduced him to the crowd.

The event was held at the Houston Marriott South, where Campo made his way around the room during a Meet and Greet, after which he updated the crowd on Port activities.
Campo, who is chairman and CEO of the Camden Property Trust, was appointed by Harris County and the Houston City Council earlier this year to replace Janiece Longoria, who was term limited.

NASA selects 142 proposals
Managing pilotless aircraft and solar panels that could help humans live on the Moon and Mars are among the technologies NASA is looking to develop with small business awards totaling $106 million. In all, NASA has selected 142 proposals from 129 U.S. small businesses from 28 states and the District of Columbia to receive Phase II contracts as part the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research program.

NASA selected the proposals based on a range of criteria, including technical merit and feasibility, as well as the organizations’ experience, qualifications, and facilities. Additional criteria included effectiveness of proposed work plans and the commercial potential of the technologies.

Three Kuraray facilities win safety awards
Three of Kuraray America, Inc.’s Texas facilities received top honors from the Texas Chemical Council at its annual award banquet June 6. They are:

  • Septon Plant, Pasadena: Best in Texas, Caring for Texas, Distinguished Safety Service, Zero Incident Rate, Zero Process Safety Incidents.
  • Bayport Plant, La Porte: Zero Incident Rate, Distinguished Safety Service, Zero Contractor Incident Rate.
  • La Porte Plant: Caring for Texas, Zero Process Safety Incidents.

TCC’s awards program recognizes member companies for their demonstrated commitment and exemplary results toward safe operations, community awareness, emergency response, security and pollution prevention. Applications are anonymous and judged by a group of industry peers and community members.

“At Kuraray, safety is at the cornerstone of everything we do,” said Tom Abrey, Kuraray’s director of health, safety, environment & security. “We are committed to providing a safe working environment for not only our employees but contractors and visitors alike.”

Kuraray America, Inc. took home 10 awards, including top honor – Best in Texas – for the Septon plant.

Area chamber is a winner
Pasadena Chamber’s website, Chambergram, took first prize honors at the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives annual convention in El Paso June 17-20.

Not far behind were its entry in the newsletter competition, which took second place in the state competition, and the chamber’s Resource Guide, which also was a second place winner.

The conference provides chamber professionals an opportunity to network, attend educational sessions and take an in-depth look into issues related to leadership, workforce development, membership and how Texas communities fared following the legislative session.

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Houston Methodist Clear Lake Joins Centennial Celebration

August 1st, 2019

By Mary Alys Cherry

Houston Methodist is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, so its CEO, Dr. Marc Boom, brought the celebration down to its Clear Lake hospital June 25 so its employees could join the party.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake CEO Dan Newman welcomed the crowd with the news that they expect to break ground for the hospital’s new $40 million medical office building later this year. It will provide space for the hospital to add 30 to 40 new physicians to its staff of some 650 physicians and 850 employees, he explained.

He also introduced the crowd to Houston Methodist’s mobile Centennial Wall depicting a history of the hospital system and those who made it the success it is today. It will be on display in the lobby of the main entrance for a month before moving on to another Houston Methodist hospital.

Dr. Boom then took the crowd back in history to 1900 when a certain Dr. Oscar Norsworthy moved to Houston and established his medical practice, which on Christman Eve 1905 included the delivery of a baby who became known as Howard Hughes. Yes, the Howard Hughes.

HOSPITAL BORN
A couple of years later, Dr. Norsworthy built an extension onto his home that contained 33 beds, so he could better care for his patients.

“If I’m going to take care of my patients, I need space to do that,” Dr. Norsworthy said.

Then in 1909, Dr. Norsworthy, wanting to explore the field of radium, sold his little hospital to the Methodist Church for about $35,000 on Dec. 31, 1909 on the condition that they modernize it. They did, Dr. Boom said, and “today Houston Methodist is worth $5 billion.”

In 1924, Dr. Boom continued his happy story, “the Methodists opened a 100-bed hospital and Methodist ministers served as CEOs.”

DeBAKEY JOINS STAFF
Medical giant and a pioneer in heart surgery Dr. Michael DeBakey joined the staff in 1948, and over the next 60 years helped put Houston Methodist “on the map” and be continually rated among America’s Best Hospitals. DeBakey called Houston Methodist “a hospital with a soul,” Dr. Boom said.

Today, despite “almost going belly up during the depression,” and suffering greatly from Hurricane Allison’s 2001 flooding and the flu epidemic of 1918 when 50 million people around the world lost their lives, Houston Methodist has eight hospitals, 2,000 beds, 24,000 employees and thousands of affiliated physicians and is looking forward to an even brighter future, Dr. Boom said as he concluded his remarks and went about shaking hands.

Afterwards, employees and members of the hospital’s Women’s Advisory Board lined up for punch and hors d’oeuvres as they shared historical stories with one another.

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UHCL alumni invited to preview new center

July 29th, 2019

Photo from www.uhcl.edu

Check out the weight machines and walk the indoor track during the Alumni Free Weekend Preview event at University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Recreation and Wellness Center, Aug. 2-4. Sponsored by UH-Clear Lake’s Alumni Association and the staff of the Campus Recreation and Wellness, the event will give university alumni and their family and friends a chance to “REConnect” with the university, explore the new facility and showcase fitness opportunities at the center.

Participants will be able to access the Recreation and Wellness Center for free all weekend: Friday, Aug. 2, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 4, noon – 6 p.m. An alumni rate to join the center will also be available.

“We want our alumni to remember that they can reach their fitness needs just by returning to their alma mater,” said UH-Clear Lake Director of Alumni Engagement Carri Hill. “The Recreation and Wellness Center is an outstanding facility and this preview weekend allows alumni and their friends and families a chance to experience it.”

During the preview, the center will showcase the opportunities that exist with fitness and recreational programming, fitness and wellness education, and partners in the Exercise and Nutritional Health Institute (ENHI), and the Office of Alumni Engagement. On Saturday, noon – 3 p.m., attendees can meet with representatives and experience the following:

  • Group fitness demos;
  • Personal training assessments;
  • Children’s activities;
  • Pick-up sports opportunities;
  • Guided tours;
  • Snacks and refreshments.

In addition, on Saturday night, Aug. 3, 8 p.m., families are invited to be a part of an outdoor movie experience with “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” The animated Disney movie is rated PG and all are invited to bring snacks, blankets and chairs to the area directly outside of the Recreation and Wellness Center. Lemonade, popcorn and other treats are available at the event. In the case of rain, the movie will be moved inside the center.

To find out more, visit http://www.uhcl.edu/rec.

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Houston Methodist Clear Lake honored for stroke care

July 22nd, 2019

The American Heart Association recently recognized Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital for its excellence in stroke care.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake was awarded the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines/Gold Plus Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award – a national honor presented to hospitals that meet strict quality measures related to stro

ke diagnosis, treatment and care.

Because time is critical in stroke care, AHA’s Get With The Guidelines: Stroke program gives hospitals research-based guidelines for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients, reducing the possibility of disability or death and allowing for a faster, more complete recovery. The program also works to ensure that hospitals provide patients with education and assistance to manage their health and prevent recurrent stroke.

“This is a significant honor because it recognizes the ongoing efforts our physicians and staff make to improve the quality of care for stroke patients,” said Dan Newman, CEO of Houston Methodist Clear Lake. “The use of evidence-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes is making a significant difference in stroke care across the country, and we are committed to continuing to improve and enhance not just the immediate care we provide when a patient presents, but ongoing care and education to ensure that patients can resume a high quality of life following their stroke and minimize their future risks.”

To qualify for the honor, Houston Methodist Clear Lake met a variety of quality measures designed to reduce the time between a patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with alteplase, a clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator.

According to the AHA, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

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RON CARTER CADILLAC HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES FIRST OF FIVE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

July 11th, 2019

(Left to Right) Chris Premont, Marketing Director, Regina Mitchell, Scholarship Recipient, Denise Stanley, Dealership Liaison.

Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai is proud to announce the third of five recipients of the 2019 Ron Carter Clear Lake Community Achievers Scholarship, Regina Mitchell.

Ms. Mitchell, an outstanding senior from Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, will receive $1,000 in scholarship funds. She plans to attend Baylor University – Waco, seeking a major in Pre-Med.

As a member of several Honor Societies, Cooper has also excelled as a manager and athlete for several sports teams at Dawson High School. In addition to an excellent academic record, she remained very active in volunteering her time at many area churches and service organizations.

Cooper hopes to one day serve women and families by becoming an Obstetrician Gynecologist. She discovered her passion for medicine and helping others while volunteering at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Downtown Houston.

Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai offers the Greater Clear Lake Area high school seniors an opportunity to participate in the Ron Carter Clear Lake Community Achievers Scholarship.
Five college scholarships of $1,000 each is awarded to the deserving participants beginning in March. Applications are accepted February through June.

Since 2012, the Ron Carter Clear Lake Community Achievers Scholarship chooses from an array of students, and awards the scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, character, service, and adult recommendations. From March to July, one recipient is chosen per month, and is open to high school seniors in the following Greater Clear Lake areas:

  • Clear Creek ISD
  • Alvin ISD
  • Deer Park ISD
  • Pasadena ISD
  • Dickinson ISD
  • LaPorte ISD
  • Pearland ISD
  • Friendswood ISD

Applicants may be students of public, parochial, or home schools. Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai is pleased to offer high school students of the Greater Clear Lake area a chance to
partake in the yearly Ron Carter Clear Lake Community Achievers Scholarship as a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the college-bound seniors within the Clear Lake community.

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Seabrook solicitors must obtain permits prior to going door-to-door

July 2nd, 2019

In recent weeks Seabrook residents have been approached by door-to-door solicitors and it has been brought to the attention of the Seabrook Police Department. Many residents are leery of solicitors and with good reason; how do you know if the solicitor is representing a legitimate business or if it is someone trying to scam you for money?

Seabrook City Council has passed Ordinance No. 2013-25, Regulation of Peddlers, Itinerant Vendors, Hawkers, Solicitors and Canvassers. This ordinance requires all individuals and groups, unless exempt by the ordinance, to apply for a permit from the City of Seabrook. The permit requirement was unanimously passed by Council in order to protect residents from unwanted harassment and to identify peddlers and solicitors who may pose a threat to persons or property.

In addition to the required permit, the ordinance also includes:

  • Solicitors may only conduct business between the hours of 8 a.m. to approximately one hour before sunset.
  • Solicitors may not approach a property that has a posted “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” sign.
  • Solicitors may not remain on private property if they have been asked to leave.

The Seabrook Police Department would like to remind residents to follow these safety tips when someone rings your doorbell.

  • Never open the door to someone you do not know. You may speak to them through a locked closed door.
  • Ensure they have a city-issued permit, which should be visible.
  • Do not engage in conversation if you are not interested in the product or service being offered.
  • Do not debate or argue with the solicitor.
  • Do not let the solicitor into your home.
  • You may place a “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” sign in your yard or on your door.
  • If you have opted to place a sign prohibiting solicitors and are still approached by one, simply do not open your door, or, calmly ask them to leave.
  • Contact the Seabrook Police Department by calling 281-291-5610 if you have any concerns or would like to report suspicious behavior.

The ordinance and permitting process helps ensure the safety of our residents. If you would like to conduct business in the City of Seabrook as a peddler or solicitor please visit www.seabrooktx.gov/peddler to apply for a permit.

It is generally made use of in recipes such as biscuits, cookies,

In addition, stamina training workouts, like lifting weights keramin recenze or utilizing resistance bands, help enhance cardio fitness.

and also cakes.

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