HonoringHonoring SouthSouth BeltBelt HarveyHarvey HHeroeseroes Thursday, July 19, 2018 Email: [email protected] www.southbeltleader.com Vol. 43, No. 25 Chamber to hold banquet The South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce’s 34th annual banquet will take Local drug raid scares innocent resident place Thursday, July 19, at the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport. The theme for Local electrician Johnny Gibbs of Lighthouse multiple police agencies – including the Drug I knew, guys with machine guns were running Gibbs further said he wouldn’t have expected this year’s event will be A Salute to the Heroes Electric found himself in the wrong place at the Enforcement Agency, the Harris County Sher- across the yard,” Gibbs said. “I felt like I was in such a thing from the residents whom he’d just of Harvey. See related hero stories in this issue. wrong time Tuesday, July 17, as he was swept up iff’s Offi ce, the Harris County Precinct 2 Con- the Twilight Zone.” met. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will be the featured in a drug raid at a customer’s house in the 9900 stable’s offi ce and a K-9 unit from the Pearland During the confusion, Gibbs was detained and “They seemed like real nice people,” Gibbs guest at the banquet. For more information, block of Logans Way in the Ashley Pointe subdi- Police Department – swarmed the house. An ar- placed in handcuffs. said. “They offered to pay me in advance (more contact chamber president Kay Barbour at 281- vision. mored SWAT vehicle was also used in the raid, Gibbs explained that he was merely there to than $700), but I told them to just hold off until 481-5516 or [email protected]. Gibbs said he had just left the residence around Gibbs said, but it was unclear at press time what give the resident an estimate for electrical work. later. I should have taken the money.” 6 p.m. after doing an inspection and was sending law enforcement agency had provided it. The offi cers told Gibbs they already knew this According to Precinct 2 Lt. Mike Kritzler, the Photo contest underway a text from his truck in front of the house when “A truck blocked me in, and the next thing but that he was taking too long to leave the home. department’s Special Operations Unit assisted The Leader is seeking 2018 vacation pho- Recounting the story to the Leader the follow- the DEA in the raid. tos for possible publication. A first- and sec- ing day, Gibbs still seemed shaken up. One male was arrested on a charge of conspir- ond-place prize of Schlitterbahn tickets will be “I was traumatized,” Gibbs said. acy to distribute cocaine. At press time, his iden- awarded for July and August to the best sub- Lewallen, Griffi n named principals Gibbs said he was told by one of the offi cers tity had not been released, as it is part of an on- missions. Monthly first-place winner will be at the scene that the male suspect was wanted on going investigation. awarded eight tickets, while each month’s sec- a warrant from upstate New York. More information to follow. ond-place winner will be awarded six. All submissions should include where and when the photo was taken, as well as identify each person in the picture and tell the story about Clark, Towey try out new slide the trip. All photos must be high resolution. Email photos to [email protected]. Beltway closures planned At least two eastbound and two westbound inside frontage road lanes on Beltway 8 at Ge- noa Red Bluff will be closed daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 3. The eastbound entrance ramp to Beltway 8 between Beamer and Sabo is closed until fur- ther notice. At least two eastbound and two westbound inside frontage road lanes on Beltway 8 at Crenshaw will be closed daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 3. The eastbound U-turn lane at Beltway 8 and Beamer will be closed continuously through 9 p.m. Saturday, July 28. HCMGA to host lecture On Thursday, July 19, Harris County Mas- At a recent special meeting, the Pasadena Independent School District Board of Trustees ter Gardeners will present Raised Beds, Low named Allison Lewallen (left) the new principal of Morris Middle School and Tanis Griffi n Volume Drip Irrigation and Rain Barrels – (right) the new principal of Thompson Intermediate. Both educators had previously served part of the Green Thumb Lecture Series – from with the school district in other capacities. See related story on Page 3A. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Freeman Branch Li- Photo submitted brary, 16616 Diana Lane. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubGreen Thumb.aspx or call 713-274-0950. Flood improvement projects planned Multiple fl ood improvement projects are be- At a public hearing Tuesday, July 17, offi cials Gulf Freeway closures set ing planned for the South Belt community. from the Harris County Flood Control District At least one northbound and one southbound Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sen. John discussed several proposed projects associated main lane and frontage road lane on the Gulf Cornyn will visit the area on Thursday, July with the county’s upcoming $2.5 billion bond elec- Freeway from NASA Bypass/NASA Road 1 to 19, to make an announcement regarding the tion. If approved by voters, the issuance of bonds SH 96/League City Parkway will be closed daily long-awaited Clear Creek drainage project. would be spread out over 15 years, and the expect- from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and nightly from 9 p.m. to While the endeavor has been in the works for ed tax increase for most homeowners would be 1.4 5 a.m. through Monday, Dec. 31. Alternate en- more than 50 years, it lacked the proper fund- percent or less. The Clear Brook City MUD recently installed new playground equipment at Bishop Park trance and exit ramps will be closed. ing to move forward. Last week, however, the The bond election will take place Saturday, Aug. on Blackhawk. The previous equipment was beyond repair due to its age. Clear Brook City The northbound frontage road of the I-45 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it 25 – the one year anniversary of Hurricane Har- MUD board members Chris Clark (top) and Jim Towey are shown above trying out the Freeway from FM 518 to NASA Bypass/NASA would allocate $295.2 million of disaster supple- vey’s landfall in Houston. new slide at the park. Photo by Marie Flickinger Road 1 will be continuously closed through 5 mental funding to provide for the project. See next week’s Leader for more information. a.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Traffi c traveling north on the frontage road will take I-45 north main lanes from the FM 518 entrance to the NASA Road 1 exit. Leader recognizes Hurricane Harvey heroes Bible Way holds health fair With the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of gether to help one another in their time of need. Southeast Volunteer Fire Department Town at Scarsdale and Beamer, where a smaller Bible Way Fellowship Baptist Church, Commerce’s long-awaited salute to Harvey he- The heroes featured in this week’s edition are When it came to rescue efforts during Hurri- rescue vehicle would then transport them the re- 10120 Hartsook, will hold its annual communi- roes fi nally here, the Leader would like to rec- by no means a comprehensive list but rather a cane Harvey, no one kept South Belt residents as mainder of the way to Dobie. ty health fair Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to ognize those being honored. Hurricane Harvey small sampling of people whom event organiz- safe as the Southeast Volunteer Fire Department. At the height of the storm, some streets in the 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. wreaked havoc in the area from Friday, Aug. 25, ers see as being representative of the entire South As the storm began to strike the area, rescue Woodmeadow subdivision were accessible only Services available include health screenings, through Tuesday, Aug. 29, causing unprecedent- Belt community’s efforts. (The entries were writ- crews originally took evacuees to the depart- by airboat. health displays, vendors, health professionals ed fl ooding and the displacement of hundreds of ten by James Bolen, Jay Do, Laura Benavides ment’s fi re station to seek refuge. When it be- “Not even our fi ve-ton trucks could make it to address health concerns, prize drawings and residents. Despite the hurdles, residents came to- Scallan and Mary Doan.) came clear a larger space would be necessary, there,” Baier said. much more. workers then began to transport affected resi- Baier recalled one rescue on Corkwood Drive, dents to CrossRoads United Methodist Church where crews had to save a family from their attic. JFD orchestra car wash set on Scarsdale. The residents had cut holes in the roof in order to What a difference AstroTurf makes That space, too, was soon determined to be survive. The J. Frank Dobie High School Orches- insuffi cient. The fi refi ghter recalled another rescue in tra will hold a fundraising car wash Saturday, “It soon became obvious they couldn’t handle which crews had to lift a man in a wheelchair July 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Food the volume,” said SVFD fi refi ghter Dean Baier. above their heads in order to place him in the bed Town on the corner of Scarsdale and Beamer. After attempts to secure Sagemont Church as of a rescue truck. Cost will be $5 per car. Donations will also be a temporary shelter were unsuccessful, SVFD Baier said the most common obstacles en- accepted. Chief Chuck Tylka reached out to Leader pub- countered during rescue efforts were people lisher Marie Flickinger about possibly using Do- wanting to bring their animals with them, as well Purple Heart luncheon set bie High School as such a spot. Flickinger then as excessive belongings. The American Legion Auxiliary Post 490 reached out to Pasadena Independent School “We tried to accommodate them the best we invites all veterans to the Purple Heart lun- District Superintendent Dr. DeeAnn Powell, could,” Baier said. cheon Sunday, Aug. 5, from noon to 2 p.m. at who was receptive to the idea and was able to Another common problem encountered by 11702 Old Galveston Road. The meal will in- unlock the school remotely. rescuers involved people wanting to go back into clude spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and a “It’s one thing to rescue them, but where do their homes to retrieve items. variety of desserts. There will be no cost for you take them?” Baier said. Following the storm, the fi re department’s Purple Heart recipients, and the cost for all SVFD crews, along with help from the Pre- work turned from rescue to recovery efforts. other veterans and family members will be $5. cinct 2 Constable’s offi ce, worked around the Crews went door-to-door searching for deceased To RSVP, email [email protected] clock to provide assistance, despite fi ve of the residents. None were found. Further, the depart- or call 281-414-0943. Shown above is a view of the Freeman Elementary playground before the AstroTurf was in- fi refi ghters having their own homes fl ood. ment was not involved in any swift-water res- stalled. Shown below is a different view of the same trees in the playground with the AstroTurf Baier attributes much of the department’s suc- cues, and no drownings were reported. Astros trophy to be displayed installed. The AstroTurf had been stored inside the Astrodome for high school and college foot- cess during the storm to its fl eet of emergency After the fl oodwaters receded, the department The Lone Star Flight Museum, located at ball games. (See story Page 3A.) rescue vehicles, which included three fi ve-ton began to respond to several medical calls, partic- Ellington Airport, will host a viewing of the trucks and three Humvees. The department also ularly from dialysis patients and residents on ox- Houston Astros World Series championship utilized a fi ve-ton truck from the Clear Brook ygen machines. These residents were transported trophy Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to City Municipal Utility District (where Baier also by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Southeast noon. Museum members are invited to an ex- serves as general manager of operations) and an Hospital, which stayed open through the dura- clusive viewing from 9:30 to 10 a.m. For more airboat from the Harris County Sheriff’s Offi ce. tion of the storm, unlike during Hurricane Ike information, visit https://www.lonestarfl ight. Civilians also contributed to rescue efforts by of- when the facility opted to close its doors. org/news/houston-astros-world-series-tro fering the use of their own boats, totaling around “The hospital was closed during Ike,” Baier phy-viewing. six, according to Baier. said. “This was 100 percent better. It gave us a “The fi re department deserves credit for place to take patients. During Ike, we took pa- Prayer walk set for July 21 pre-planning,” Baier said. “We had the vehicles tients to the Medical Center. We couldn’t have that allowed us to do what we did.” done that this time. The fl ooding was too bad.” School Prayer Walks USA will host its fi fth After gaining access to Dobie, rescue crews Baier feels that multiple factors contributed to prayer walk Saturday, July 21, from 9 to 10 a.m. were initially taking evacuees straight to the high the success of the department’s rescue work. The walk will begin at Meador Elementary, then school. Baier said, however, that this was tak- “The community had a blessing with both Do- travel across the street to Morris Middle School. ing up too much precious time that could have bie being open and the hospital staying open,” All are welcome to the nondenominational been spent on emergency calls. Crews then set Baier said. prayer walk, organized to pray for the protection up a shuttle relay where they would use the larg- In all, the department rescued more than 700 of students and staff at local schools. For more er deep-water rescue vehicles to retrieve the af- people. information, call 281-484-0901. fected residents, then transfer them to the Food Continued on Page 4A Page 2 Section A, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Thursday, July 19, 2018 In My Opinion Heroes remember Harvey By Jay Do time. We didn’t know what din’s devotion to his faith has Deaths Also, I would like to thank Mrs. Marie Nearly one year after Hurri- would happen, but when Marie led many of his denomination- Lan Bui shares Flickinger and the South Belt Leader for cane Harvey ravaged the Texas said, ‘We can either open the al peers to elect him to a host giving the community strength and sup- Harvey story, heroes coast, the lingering devasta- school or let people drown,’ it of leadership roles throughout Thomas F. George Louis Gilbert “Sonny” port by always providing updated infor- tion brought forth by the his- was a no-brainer. I wanted to his pastoral ministry, includ- My parents, siblings and I have been mation on local aide or assistance. But Kasper Simecek Ramirez long time residents of this area for more torical storm is still being felt open the school, and fi gure ev- ing various executive level most of all, for their pantry and turning by many South Belt residents. erything out later.” positions and committee chair- than 35 yrs. I moved away to live in New their offi ce into a makeshift Christmas York City for a while, but found my way For many, the memories of It was not until early the manships. An entrepreneurial store too and gifting the kids 3 toys each destruction and havoc remain next morning that a district leader, donors have pledged back a few years ago when my father be- and stocking stuffers!! came ill. This was where I grew up and I as vividly daunting as though school bus was able to make tens of millions of dollars to And last, but not least, I want to thank it were yesterday. Alongside it through the high waters to kingdom projects overseen by love this community. The strength, pride, everyone (listed below and in no particu- those memories, however, are Powell’s residence and take Nordin. joy, and loyalty of those who reside here lar order) for helping us throughout this also tales of heroism, bravery, her and her husband to Dobie. As Harvey made landfall is what makes it so great and that was whole ordeal. I cannot express how much and selfl essness. The South Powell arrived at what was on the Texas coast on the eve- proven during Hurricane Harvey. love and gratitude we feel for everyone’s Belt’s most dire hour of need to become the fi rst organized ning of Aug. 25, Nordin and Never could I imagine that I would live help. We could not have done it without saw many rise to give back to Harvey shelter in the greater his wife were both away from to see such devastation, like the one we you! their community. Houston area. the community, preaching in experienced. As long as we have lived Sagemont Church and Helping These individuals are now “By the time we got there, Knoxville. As he heard the in this area, we have never fl ooded. This Hands, Wendy Wiseburn, Susan Blue, being recognized as “Heroes there were already hundreds news, Nordin immediately at- time, we had over 3’2” of water inside of Kristina Ponce, Paula Golden, Quynh of Harvey.” These are their sto- and hundreds of people there,” tempted to return home. our home. We lost everything- the entire Nguyen, Mike Flaherty, Ryan Flaherty, ries. said Powell. “They came from “I tried to fl y back into house, contents, and car. It was all so sur- Susie and Andrew Dailey, Thy Flaherty, Dr. DeeAnn Powell all over the area in rescue vehi- Houston, but I couldn’t get real watching friends, family, and strang- Big and Little Quan Nguyen, Ann Nguy- Among those leading the cles and dump trucks, because fl own in through the storm,” Thomas F. Kasper, 69, George Louis Simecek, Gilbert “Sonny” Ramirez, ers come into our home and completely en, Phong Nguyen and Jacob, Cao recovery effort was Dr. Dee- we were the fi rst shelter in the said Nordin. died peacefully on Wednes- 77, of Moulton, Texas, died 70, died on July 16. Gilbert gutting it out. It was heartbreaking to see Dang, Ken Nguyen, Jared Lopez, South- Ann Powell, superintendent of area that was open. Some even Desperate to return home, day, July 11. He was born Tuesday, July 10, 2018. was a longtime South Belt our entire life sitting out on the front lawn. belt Leader, Marie Flickinger, Alex Tuan schools of the Pasadena Inde- walked with water up to their Nordin and his wife fl ew to on June 19, 1949, in Buffalo, A former longtime South resident. I sat outside, with a mask and gloves on, Trinh and Trinh Dang, Thuy and Viet Mai, pendent School District. chests. There were hundreds of Little Rock where they rented N.Y., to Thaddeus and Vir- Belt resident, Simecek was Gilbert was born on July and broke down in tears. We didn’t have Rick Nguyen, Mylinh Bui, Tiffany and Tu A lifetime native of the people, along with their dogs a car and braved the storms for ginia Kasper. born on June 10, 1941, in 6, 1948, in San Antonio to any fl ood insurance, so we literally had to Nguyen, Michael Salazar, Ali Rizvi, Car- area, Powell attended L.F. and cats. The fi refi ghters had to the long drive back to Houston. While attending school at Moulton to Louis and Millie Gilbert Flores Ramirez and start all over. It’s been a long and grueling ol Yuan, My Lam Ly, Emily Brillo, Christi- Smith and Williams Elemen- chop some of the doors to the In hindsight, Nordin found it Canisius College, he met the Rehak Simecek. Delia Barrera. process, but we are in the last phase of na Pham, Lang Tran, Michael Hai Tran, tary Schools and Queens In- bathrooms down because they ironic that the rental company love of his life, Susan Glea- He was drafted into the He is survived by his for- rebuilding and hopefully we will be back Amy Quintero, Lylyan Tran, Rebecca termediate. She went on to were locked by the custodial actually rented him a vehicle. son. The Kaspers have been U.S. Army on Dec. 12, mer wife of 32 years Fran- in our home soon. I cannot thank every- Greenland, Tina Nguyen, Chip Reed- graduate from Pasadena High staff.” “I was really surprised that longtime South Belt area 1963, and his military oc- ces Ramirez; his children one enough for their kindness, love, and er, Quang Ngo, Melynda Le, Trang Ngo, School in 1987 and Sam Hous- Immediately upon their ar- they would even rent me a car, residents and have been at- cupational specialty was Yvonne Ramirez, Gerardo support. But there’s two people who have Paul Lim, Tuyen Ho, Tracy Tran, Isabella ton State University in 1991. rival, Powell and her husband but I was going to get to Hous- tending St. Luke’s Catholic 11B10 Infantry. During his and Kristy Guzman and undoubtedly been wonderfully support- To, Jodi Hockenberry, Jano Maldonicky, Powell’s long and decorat- began spearheading the relief ton one way or the other,” said Church. short service, he acquired Cindy Ortiz; grandchildren ive throughout this entire ordeal- Wendy Nhuyen Ho, K. Smith, Reyna Oliva, Tif- ed career with PISD began at effort, organizing families, the Nordin. “We both wanted to be The couple married on the rank of Specialist E4 Carlos and Ashley Lopez, Wiseburn and Susan Blue. I would like to fanie Nguyen, Ellen Lin, Jade Szu, Adam Jackson Intermediate, where elderly, and the disabled into here with our people.” Dec. 29, 1970, and began a and was awarded the Viet- Amber Barbosa, Raven Ja- nominate them as local Harvey Heroes. Rainier, Patterson Nguyen, Di Ung, Quy- she taught seventh- and eighth- certain areas of the Dobie cam- Miraculously, the Nordins 47-year relationship fi lled nam Service Medal and cobs, Kalyn Trujillo, Bran- I have always been prideful and never en Trang, Jessie Grizzle, Christine To, grade history. She would take pus, and securing their pets in were able to arrive home safe- with devotion and joy. Tom Vietnam Campaign Medal. don Guzman and Ryan been one to want or ask for help from any- Mylinh Pham, Tina Trang Nguyen, Angel on the roles of a peer facilita- the campus’s greenhouse to ly, before the streets became and Susan moved to a few He also made marksman in Saucedo; great-grandchil- one. When my kids lost all their clothes Le, Tony Tran, Lien Nguyen, Bao Mann, tor, an assistant principal, and maintain sanitary standards impassable with fl oodwa- different cities, making their rifl e and expert rifl e with dren, Jordan, Jeremiah and and was left with whatever we had evac- Vi Nguyen, Alan Regala, Hoa Than, Va- eventually principal at Jackson within the shelter. ter. As they sheltered at their fi nal home in Houston where M-14. Simecek was hon- Aryanna Lopez, Isaiah and uated with, I was torn. I couldn’t bring my- nessa Flores, Kieu Nguyen Tran, Benny before joining the district’s ad- While at the shelter, Powell home for the night, the steady they would spend the next 40 orably discharged from the Alynna Valdivia and Adelyn self to take or receive the help. I wasn’t Ngai, Lisa Le, Jennifer Nguyen, Jana and ministration in 2005 as an as- experienced fi rst-hand the spir- downpour trapped them inside years. Army on Dec. 11, 1965, and Murillo. Gilbert is also sur- used to being on the receiving end. Mrs. Linh “Leonard” Nguyen, Men Tran, Fawn sociate superintendent. Powell it of the South Belt community, their home. Concerned with The couple had two sons, afterward, received the Pur- vived by his sisters Maria Wendy Wiseburn pulled me aside and & Tony Tran, Steve Tran, Julie and John was soon promoted to deputy as neighbors and strangers ral- the safety and well-being of Chris and Ben Kasper, who ple Heart. Louisa Rodriguez, Juanita said, “Stop it! You’re always helping oth- Le, Christina Le and Peter Tran. Joey superintendent by then super- lied behind one another in their their congregation, the Nordins make their home in Houston Simecek then continued Georges, Gina Delafuentes; ers, so let us help you for a change and Victorian, Tuan Lam, Kaire and Richard intendent, Dr. Kirk Lewis, and time of need. were anxious to get to their today. Chris and Ben married his life’s journey in Houston as well as by nieces, neph- you can always pay it forward. You need nguyen, Nancy and Charlie Wu, Cindy assumed the superintendent “We were able to get cus- church. Annell and Jamie, respective- where he worked for more ews, other relatives and to think about your family!!” And with that, Bui, Jennifer Nguyen, An Nguyen, Travis position after he retired in late todians to come over, some “No water was able to get ly, whom Tom adored. than 20 years in the drywall many friends. I was humbled. Sometimes it’s not always Nguyen, Victor Nguyen, Steven Nguyen, 2015. of whom even had their own in the house, but it was high The only ones to put a business. He moved back to Gilbert is preceded in about me. Mrs. Wiseburn and Mrs. Blue Nhien Ngo, My Van Duong, Cindy and As Harvey made landfall homes fl ooded and still vol- enough on the streets to where smile on his face more than Moulton in the early 1990s death by his parents; grand- gathered clothes, food, and supplies for Brian Tran, Kathy and Denver Le, Viet q and the South Belt became be- unteered to come and work,” we were stranded,” said Nor- they were his grandchildren and enjoyed the small-town mother Maria Marin; sister my family. Not only did they help us, but Tran, Jimmy Tran, Cuong Tran, Joanna sieged with rainfall on the eve- said Powell. “All of our em- din. “As soon as we were able Brandon, Jackson, Olivia, life. He loved going to pic- and brother-in-law Minerva they opened a pantry at Frazier Elemen- Tran, Mary Tran, and Linda Tran, Maly ning of Aug. 25, Powell and ployees were off, but many of to get to the church, we did so Griffi n and Stella Kasper. nics, the Moulton Jamboree, and Fred Garcia; and neph- tary and welcome everyone to come. Jan, Thao Doan, Juliette Phan, Aman- her husband were sheltered in them still volunteered to come immediately.” Above all else, Tom’s and dance halls and he had ew Leroy Rodriguez. People were able to come grab food, wa- da Nguyen, Nykki Tang, Thien An Sand- their Riverstone Ranch home, and help. It was amazing, with Nordin’s leadership at CT main hobby the last few years a passion for all types of Gilbert retired as an elec- ter, clothes, and cleaning supplies week- wiches, Tina La, Linda Au, Clemente Le, poised to wait out the storm. the community coming togeth- has earned the church the rep- was giving his grandchildren music and operated his own trical engineer after serving ly. During Christmas, parents were able Ann Nguyen, Red Cross, Cong Dong Viet “Personally, we were very er and bringing all the cloth- utation of being one of the as much love and gifts that DJ business, Dance Hall 32 years with CenterPoint to choose 2 gifts for each child from a Houston, SCI, Hoang Hung Tran, Ngoc blessed,” recalled Powell. ing, bedding, and food. One community’s most invaluable was humanly possible. Sound, for several years. Energy. He was known as make-shift Christmas store inside of the Tran, Men Tran, Vietnamese Martyrs “We were in a newer subdi- of our principals owns a dump outreach organizations. Al- Tom worked at Texaco An avid sports fan, Simecek a devoted father, husband, school. Along with their respective duties Church, Mai-Lynn Nguyen, PISD, Kelly vision in Riverstone Ranch. truck, so she and her husband most immediately, Nordin be- for 30 years where he played could talk for hours about popo and great-popo. as principal/counselor, They gracious- Lan Tran, Diane Wheeler, Elizabeth Soto. Even though the streets were were going around to different came fl ooded with requests for a major role in corporate almost any sport but really He had a joy for life and ly helped the entire community, not just Thank you, fl ooded, the homes were not so restaurants that were throw- aid from the church. marketing campaigns. He loved the Houston Rockets, most of all for God. Gilbert those who attended the school. Lan Bui much impacted.” ing out food and got them to “As soon as I got to the enjoyed being creative and Astros and Texans. enjoyed hunting, fi shing, Reminiscing about that eve- feed the families in the shel- church, people were calling us seeing his vision play out in Simecek was a loyal trailriding, coaching his ning, Powell even joked about ter. When we disbanded the and asking us what we were real life. When not working, member in many local or- daughter’s soccer and soft- Bay Area Singles set dance for July 21 how otherwise ordinary it was. shelter, we were able to get so going to do, because that’s he truly loved the game of ganizations including the ball teams, but most of all “I was home the fi rst night many donations that we passed what we do,” said Nordin. golf, and it was not uncom- Moulton Veterans of For- spending time with his fam- The Bay Area Singles Club monthly dance is July 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. at VFW Lodge, that we got the heavy rains,” them on to the community cen- “That’s just a part of who we Post 6378, located at 5204 Highway 3 in Dickinson. Bring party snacks to share. The cost mon to see him on the golf eign Wars Post No. 6971, ily and friends. said Powell. “My husband was ter to continue serving those are. I got my staff here and we course every weekend. Some Moulton American Legion He had a passion for is $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers. For more information call 832-483-3257 or 832- watching some silly fi ght that who had lost their homes. We just started organizing and do- 477-6778. who knew him note that he Post #392, Moulton Lions education and volunteered we had to pay money to watch, were very fortunate to be part ing whatever we could fi nd to seemed to derive happiness Club, and the Polka music many hours raising money Local library events set and I was a little frustrated by of a community that takes care do.” from playing, watching, or club Po.L.K. of A. He was for the Houston and Pasa- that.” of our own.” Nordin immediately mobi- just talking golf. also a member of St. Joseph dena Livestock Show and Bracewell Branch Library Unbeknown to her at the Furthermore, lessons that lized the CT staff to establish a While his work and golf Catholic Church in Moul- Rodeo. He also loved the The following events are scheduled for the Bracewell Branch Library, 9002 King- time, Powell would soon be at Powell learned from the Har- point of distribution site in the were major parts of his life, ton. Texans and Astros. spoint: the center for the fi ght for safe- vey experience have already parking lot of the church, dis- most of his time was spent Simecek was preced- Visitation will be held ty of the entire South Belt com- proven to be immensely in- tributing essential supplies to Tuesday, July 24, 10:30 a.m. Meet at the library for Nature Discovery Center being a dedicated father and ed in death by his father, Thursday, July 19, at South- munity. valuable in moments of crisis. impacted individuals and fami- Wednesday, July 25, 1 p.m. Retro games husband and being charitable mother, and brother Marvin Park Funeral Home from 5 At around midnight on the “It depends on what kind lies. Wednesday, July 25, Computer courses: 2 p.m. Computer Basics; 3:15 p.m. Internet to those around him. Tom was Simecek. to 8 p.m. with the recitation morning of Aug. 26, Marie of crisis we’re facing, but we “We’ve got contacts with Basics; 4:30 p.m. Basic Powerpoint generous with his time, labor, He is survived by his chil- of the rosary starting at 7 Flickinger, owner and publish- always have to communicate some national organiza- Bracewell hours this week are: Thursday, noon – 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 – 5 p.m.; Saturday, advice and money to those he dren Shannon Simecek and p.m. Mass will be celebrat- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, closed; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. er of the Leader, called Powell, and be able to work together tions, so we started making notifying her that J. Frank Do- as a team,” said Powell. “The those calls and they sent over knew and strangers alike. He Candi Simecek of Houston, ed Friday, July 20, at 11 always seemed to be one that Cole Simecek of Austin and a.m. at St. Luke the Evange- Parker Williams Library bie High School may need to Memorial graduation accident 18-wheelers full of food, wa- be opened and used as a tem- was just another example of ter, ice, diapers and all kinds of felt if he could help another Macie Simecek of Moulton; list Catholic Church, 11011 The following events are scheduled for the Parker Williams Library, 10851 Scarsdale he would do so and not ask and grandchildren McKenna Hall Road. Burial will fol- Blvd. this week: porary shelter for impacted in- communicating clearly, keep- other stuff,” said Nordin. dividuals who had been forced ing people calm, and work- As the relief effort grew for anything in return. Simecek and Austin Good- low at SouthPark Ceme- Thursday, July 19, 3 p.m. Teen Thursday presents Comic Con 101, for ages 12 and In addition to his love and win of Houston. tery, 1310 N. Main St. in older. Meet in the library community room for a variety of programs and projects. Learn out of their homes by rapid ing together as a team. When larger and with the neighbor- fl ooding. At the time, Flick- you’re in that situation, you ing charter school set to soon passion for life, Tom’s lasting Simecek is also survived Pearland. different strategies to get free stuff at this event. legacy will be the kindness by sisters Margie Muenster Friday, July 20, 4 – 6 p.m. Anime Club presents Samurai Champloo, rated TV-MA inger was heeding guidance can’t think of every single de- resume operations, Nordin was from the Southeast Volunteer tail, but making sure every forced to relocate the point of and compassion he showed of Ganado, Helen Killen of for ages 12 and older. Meet in the library community room for two hours of hip hoppin’ for others. Pearland, Rita and husband Leader action-packed anime and Pocky. Fire Department. Collabora- member of the team knows distribution site to a parking lot tively, they determined several what their role is goes a long of the nearby Almeda Mall. Tom was preceded in Ron Freytag of Tomball and obituary Saturday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. Memorial Hermann Health presents the discussion death by his parents; and his Gladys Criste of Pearland; “Sleep Health.” Meet at the library to learn more about improving sleep habits. Registra- potential sites that would be way. After Harvey, we re- “We rented an enormous able to serve as a makeshift viewed all of our practice plans tent and for a number of days, sister Micheline and her hus- and several nieces and policy tion is requested. band Floyd Fried. nephews. Saturday, July 21, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The mobile adoption unit of Harris County shelter, among which included and what everyone is responsi- we delivered thousands and Sagemont Church. ble for in those situations. I feel thousands of pounds of any- Tom’s survivors include He also leaves behind a Obituaries submitted to Animal Shelter will be at the library with a truckload of dogs. Meet at the library to see his wife; two sons and their special friend and former Leader if a fur baby is right for your family. This event is appropriate for ages 8 and older. It soon became clear that like we have a good handle on thing that you can imagine that the the rising waters throughout what we have to do, but until it takes to sustain life,” said wives; siblings Margaret and wife, Connie Cheney, who are published free of Monday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. Music Trivia Challenge. Meet at the library and compete husband Joseph Sliman; Carol dedicated much of her life alone or in a team of two to four people answering questions about all different types and the area’s inner streets would you get into it, there’s really no Nordin. charge. not allow any other site to be way to prepare for everything. Nordin estimates that there Kasper, Cathy Flynn, David including the last four years There must eras of music. and wife Gail Kasper, Mary taking care of Simecek and Monday, July 23, 5 p.m. Drone Flying Club, ages 8 to adult. Meet the second and used as a shelter. Dobie quick- It’s just a matter of how we’ll were more than 150 tractor- be a South Belt ly became the only viable op- get started on addressing it.” trailer truckloads that were Davis, Peter Kasper, Christine his home after he suffered a fourth Monday to learn how to fl y a quadcopter with the fl ying club. Registration is re- and husband Alan Birsinger stroke. connection. quested. A grant from the Parker Williams and Harris County Friends of the Library has tion. Flickinger, battling time, Although she is extremely delivered to and distributed by called Powell again with the saddened by the loss of 1,700 the CT effort. and Matt Kasper. A memorial service for Obituaries are enabled the purchase of equipment for the drone fl ying club. The funeral service was Simecek was held at the edited Tuesday, July 24, 10:30 a.m. Computer Basics: fl yers, cards and brochures. Learn how news. students in enrollment as a di- With essential supplies dis- “Marie called back a little rect result of Harvey, Powell’s tributed, Nordin transitioned to held Tuesday, July 17, at Ni- Smith Funeral Home in to conform to to use resources such as Microsoft Publisher and the website canva.com to create fl yers, day Funeral Home. Moulton on Friday, July 13. the Leader style. invitation cards, brochures, and more. Registration is requested. bit later and said there was no experience through the relief Continued on Page 3A Tuesday, July 24, 2 p.m. Musical movies features The Little Mermaid (rated TV-G, 83 way that people could get to effort revitalized her faith in the church, they were going the human spirit. minutes) for ages 3 and older. Meet in the library community room for a musical movie to need to get into the school,” “The human spirit of our on Tuesdays throughout the summer. For the musical movies, singing along isn’t just said Powell. “Several of us, staff was absolutely remark- allowed, it’s encouraged! Business Review including my husband and I, able,” said Powell. “I can name Wednesday, July 25, 2:30 p.m. Program Summer features “Princess Storytime” for some of our associate superin- staff from all of our 68 campus- ages 5 and older. Meet in the library community room for some regal reading with one of tendents, and our chief of po- es who either volunteered to the literate princesses. lice, tried to get to the school go help other staff members or Wednesday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. Great Decisions features the discussion “U.S. Global that night, but none of us were volunteered to help families of Island Breeze celebrates opening Engagement and the Military.” The global power balance is rapidly evolving, leaving the able to make it.” their students. They went door United States at a turning point with respect to its level of engagement and the role of its Trapped within her home to door in their neighborhoods military. Some argue for an “America First” paradigm, while others call for a more asser- with no way to get to the Do- giving out food and water. tive posture overseas. An article and a brief video clip are available at the library prior to bie campus, Powell remotely A lot of them were impacted the meeting so attendees may be prepared to join the discussion. granted access to Flickinger, themselves, and they were still Wednesday, July 25, 7 p.m. Family Fun Night features a family game night for ages 5 who was able to get to the cam- volunteering to do that. Just to and older. Meet in the library community room for a family game night. There will be a pus.“Marie was the only one see our staff all come together mix of classic games as well as some newer titles to add to the fun. that was able to get to the cam- and volunteer their time to take Below are the programs that occur every week: pus on a high water rescue ve- care of their community, that’s Wednesday, Preschool storytime, 10:30 a.m. For children, ages 3 to 5 years, storytime hicle,” said Powell. “I remotely pretty awesome. It comes to features stories, songs, fi ngerplays and a craft. unlocked a couple of doors and show just how much they care Wednesday, 2 – 3 pm: Basic computer classes (Vietnamese). Learn mouse, keyboard- guided Marie into the build- about these children. It’s hard ing, basic internet skills and more at this weekly class in Vietnamese. Registration is ing through the phone. At that to see families go through that requested. point, they were able to start devastation, but it was amaz- Thursday, Toddler storytime, 10:30 a.m. For toddlers from birth to 3 years, storytime letting people in who had re- ing to see the community rally features stories, songs, fi ngerplays and bubbles. ceived several feet of water around that.” Saturday, Vietnamese learning time. Classes begin at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 in their homes. It was getting The Rev. Don Nordin p.m. and 3 p.m. For more information on these programs, speak with Loc Bui. very scary at that point.” Among the heartwarming For more information on events, call the library at 281-484-2036. Powell’s decision to au- stories of selfl essness shines Library hours this week are: Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 1 – 6 p.m.; Saturday, thorize Dobie to be used as a amidst those of devastation and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, closed; Monday, 1 – 9 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and temporary shelter was one that havoc brought forth by Hurri- Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. she made without hesitation, cane Harvey includes that of despite the potential ramifi ca- CT Church’s lead pastor, the tions that could have arisen. Rev. Don Nordin. “I have seven bosses that A native of northern Cal- SSouthouth Belt-EllingtonBelt-Ellington LeaderLeader are my board members, so I ifornia, Nordin earned his was taking a chance on wheth- bachelor of ministry degree Island Breeze, the car wash at Kwik Kar on Scarsdale, they named their business Island Breeze. Shown are, left er they would think I was cra- from Central Christian Uni- held a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, June 9, to celebrate to right, (front row) Kay Barbour, South Belt Chamber The Voice of Community-Minded People zy and had lost my mind,” said versity in Lexington, N.C., its opening. The new co-owners are Karlene Rivers (front president; Adrienne Williams, Tristan’s wife; Karlene Riv- Powell. “We didn’t know what and began his long career in row, third from left) and her nephew Tristan Williams ers; Tristan Williams, co-owner; Charmaine Rivers-Wil- kind of damage could come to Arkansas, where he pastored (front row, fourth from left). Rivers has lived in the South liams, Tristan’s mother and board member; Fredrick 11555 Beamer 281-481-5656 the school, and I didn’t know if for 20 years, before joining CT Belt area for more than 12 years and she has more than Williams, Tristan’s father and board member; Charlenne they would have supported that Church in 2001. Nordin and 20 years of experience in accounting. Rivers also holds a O’Brien, family member; (back row) Alexis Lochner; Ni- decision, but they 100 percent his wife, Susan Nordin, are CPA. Williams is a 2004 Dobie graduate and held the po- gel Pierre, family member; Jose Cruz, operations manag- E-mail: [email protected] supported it and thought it was now lead pastors of CT, which sition of class president. Williams played multiple sports er; Nigel Rivers, family member and board member; Er- a great decision. I rolled the has grown to encompass four and lettered in track and fi eld. Williams has more than 10 inn O’Brien, family member; and Jalyesa Boutte, family Davy & Marie Flickinger, owners dice, because I could not have campuses throughout Houston years of accounting and fi nance experience. The family member. gotten ahold of them at that under their leadership. Nor- comes from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, for which Photo by Marie Flickinger Thursday, July 19, 2018, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Section A, Page 3 Chamber honors local Harvey heroes Hernandez describes Gomez as incredible Continued from Page 2A ber of weeks, having labored there is no one left that needs Frank Dobie High School in “The food did not stop Monica Hernandez (right), one of Lewis Career and I would describe as lively and free-spirited. She radiates a providing hot meals. on the day of the Sabbath. my help.” 1991, and has spent the last coming the whole time we Technical High School’s Shining Stars, is shown with dis- positive attitude toward her students. It is a great honor to “We started serving hot “We didn’t even have True to his heroic pledge, 20 years of her life in the were there, and the people tinguished educator Desiree Gomez, 12th-grade pharmacy have Mrs. Gomez as my pharmacy tech instructor. There is meals to the community, church for a couple of Matthews Jr. did exactly Sagemont subdivision. She there never had a meal that teacher at Lewis Career and Technical High School. no doubt Mrs. Gomez was born to be a teacher, nonetheless, because we recognized that weeks,” said Nordin. “We that. now works as the manager of was not hot,” said Cordero. Hernandez has volunteered with several organizations and, better still, a mentor in my medical career. Since day there were a lot of people just had people go out in the Over the course of the NASA’s High School Aero- “Everything was hot, fresh, that include Mae Smythe Elementary ACE Program, the one, she placed her focus in giving not only me, but also who had to leave their homes community and help, seven next two days, Matthews Jr., space Scholars program. homemade. It was amazing City of Pasadena, the Pasadena Public Library and the Pas- all her students the best education she can. There has never and go to hotels,” said Nor- days a week. We weren’t just along with childhood friends As Harvey made landfall and beautiful. We had more adena Animal Shelter. She has also volunteered in her reli- been a dull moment in her class because of her genuine love din. “They weren’t prepared going to church, we were be- Tommy Ford, Jason Thorn- on the evening of Aug. 25, than enough. It was simi- gious community at Our Lady of Guadalupe and San Juan of teaching.” to be going out, so we took ing the church.” hill, Isaac Jackson and Julia Cordero and her husband lar to the miracle of the fi ve Diego Catholic churches. The South Belt Shining Stars will be presented in a series meals out to them and deliv- David “D.D.” Matthews Fleming, scoured the High- found themselves anxiously loaves and two fi sh.” Hernandez plans to attend Baylor University and hopes of students being honored along with their favorite mentor. ered them to hotels, nursing Battling high fl oodwa- land Meadows and Scarsdale looking out their back win- Residents and local busi- to receive a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. Overall, her The Shining Stars represent the top Lewis Career and homes, neighborhoods and ters from Beamer Road to subdivisions, rescuing more dows, fearful that the rising nesses, including Texas ultimate goal is to attain a doctorate in the fi eld of anesthe- Technical High School students. The information and photos other churches.” Scarsdale Boulevard, David than 65 stranded individuals water would soon fi nd its Roadhouse and H-E-B, pro- siology. were submitted by Pasadena Independent School District. More than 120,000 hot “D.D.” Matthews Jr. rescued and delivering them safely to way inside their home off vided so much food, that In regard to Gomez, Hernandez said, “To a woman that The Leader is also running the Shining Stars from Do- meals were delivered by the dozens of impacted indi- the Dobie shelter. Matthews Blackhawk Boulevard. there was enough to send to has an incredible gift of teaching. Mrs. Gomez is a person bie, Pasadena Memorial, and South Houston high schools. CT relief effort. viduals from their fl ooded Jr. even went so far as to fer- Although water never three more shelters after the Having secured basic homes. ry residents to and from their penetrated their home and Dobie shelter was disband- living conditions, Nordin A lifelong resident of the fl ooded homes to retrieve they were spared from the ed. Hilton Koch of Hilton then shifted his focus to the community, Matthews Jr. vital medications and other fl ooding, the couple found Furniture, graciously sent daunting endeavor that was was born and raised in the critical medical equipment. themselves trapped inside three trucks to deliver the the recovery process of his South Belt area, attending From senior citizens who their home, isolated by the food, and all three left the community. Utilizing the ex- Moore Elementary, Beverly had been soaked in waist high fl oodwaters around Dobie shelter fi lled to the tensive relationships that he Hills Intermediate and Do- deep water and had to be car- their neighborhood. brim. has maintained throughout bie High School. A natural ried to the boat because they “The next day, we were More important than her his preaching career, Nor- athlete, Matthews played were too stiff to move, to an- glued to the television, be- delegation skills, Cordero din called upon church relief football for the South Belt other individual recovering cause we couldn’t leave our offered her community her teams from around the na- Dolphins, before lettering in from a triple bypass heart house,” said Cordero. “We time and empathy, some- tion to send aid. varsity football with the Do- surgery and required a heart were just in disbelief that thing it desperately needed. More than 50 teams bie football team. Matthews monitor to be with him at all this was happening in our “People were uncertain from around the nation an- married his high school time, it quickly became ev- city and in our community.” about what was outside the swered Nordin’s request for sweetheart, Brianna Blake- ident that Matthews Jr. was Cordero soon got a call doors, but they were confi - help, providing more than ly, and the couple now raise single-handedly responsible from an old friend, pleading dent about what was inside: 13,000 man-hours of relief their 2-year-old daughter, for saving dozens of lives. for her help. Cordero and her safety, security and food,” to a battered community. Aubrey Blakely Matthews, Having been raised by a husband answered the call said Cordero. “There were so CT Church opened a 60-bed in their Deer Park home, community-oriented leader, for help, traversing through many people that just wanted camp to host these teams as while expecting the birth of the values of giving back to the high waters to get to a to sit and talk. People would they traveled across the na- a son in September 2018. one’s community was in- friend that she had not seen just start crying, knowing tion to help with neighbor- Matthews now works as a stilled in Matthews Jr. from in years. that their home was fl ooded, hood repairs. Nearly a year crew leader on inland oil an early age. “I was over the “We brought her back to so we just tried to be a com- after their initial arrival, and natural gas drill plat- South Region Parks Depart- our home, and some of her forting ear and a helpful hug, some of these teams are still forms with Horizontal Wire- ment for Precinct One for 28 family came to pick her up if they needed one. That’s all at CT, continuing the exten- line. years, and my children had that night,” said Cordero. you could do at a time like sive repair efforts for indi- Matthews’ contributions to go to every community “That’s when I heard that that.” viduals who otherwise may to the Harvey relief effort event we hosted at EFL Park Dobie was taking people in Cordero cared for the dis- not have the means of doing were noted by his father, Da- growing up,” said Matthews who had been fl ooded.” placed individuals so much so. For Nordin, the historic vid Matthews Sr., program Sr. “They learned, through Without a moment’s hes- so that she found it diffi cult hurricane was a humbling director of the Harris Coun- watching me, the importance itation, Cordero packed her to bid them farewell once the and eyeopening experience. ty Precinct One Challenger of helping your communi- bags with necessary supplies Dobie shelter had to be dis- “My takeaway from it was Seven Park Learning Center. ty. It was second nature to and headed to the temporary banded. that we’re all on different As Harvey made landfall him, that when his commu- shelter, determined to help in “It was hard when deci- socioeconomic rungs of the on the evening of Aug. 25, nity was in its darkest hours, whatever way she could. sions were made to send peo- ladder, but a storm like this Matthews Jr. was sheltering it was time to reach out and “I couldn’t sit by know- ple to the next place that they puts us all on level ground,” in place at his father’s resi- help.” ing that people in my com- had to go to because Dobie said Nordin. “People who dence in the Kirkwood South Matthews Jr.’s rescue ef- munity were hurting,” said had to plan to let the students have quite a bit of resources subdivision. The family was forts reiterated the impor- Cordero. “I had to do all that back in,” said Cordero. “That were as desperate as those able to avoid fl ooding by tance of being prepared for I could to help. I have a ser- was a diffi cult process, be- who have no resources. It mere inches. natural disasters and mo- vice heart, and I wanted to cause it happened very fast, has a way of leveling the “We were extremely for- ments of crises. just help in any capacity.” even though everyone knew playing fi eld.” tunate, as our home came “Try to be prepared to At Dobie, Cordero met that it had to happen eventu- Nordin remains saddened within an inch of the wa- move to higher ground be- with Jason and Rebecca Car- ally.” Ellis pushes Hong to do his best by the loss of some members ter coming inside,” recalled fore it gets too late,” said ter, who were leading the ef- Even as the Dobie shelter of his congregation. Matthews Sr. Matthews Jr. “Do not wait forts at the school. Cordero disbanded, Cordero was far Phong K. Hong (right), one of Pasadena Memorial High subject she taught. She actually managed to make world “Some people who have While they themselves to have to be rescued. Have quickly used the skills she from fi nished. Immediately School’s Shining Stars, is shown with distinguished educa- history seem interesting even though I slept occasionally lived out here for a number were dry and safe from any your medications in a bag to had gained through her ca- after Dobie shut its doors, tor Victoria Ellis, 10th-grade advanced placement history in her class throughout the year. Mrs. Ellis pushed me to of years and had been fl ood- imminent danger, the Mat- take with you at times like reer with NASA to estab- Cordero moved to Sagemont teacher at Pasadena Memorial High School. do my best in a college level class that was fi lled with end- ed out a few times just decid- thews soon realized that the this. So many were unpre- lish a registration system, Church, where she estab- In regard to volunteer work, Hong has volunteered at the less amounts of homework and notes. Thanks to her, I now ed to pack up and leave the situation was rapidly dete- pared to leave their homes, cataloguing fi rst the impact- lished a similar registration Houston Food Bank, the Vietnamese Martyrs Crawfi sh Festi- know men have ‘that y chromosome’ causing them to do area,” said Nordin. “There riorating for many of their especially the elderly.” ed individuals, and then the process, processing more val, the Asbury Winter Festival, at Hurricane Harvey shelters, dumb things. Looking back, I see that Mrs. Ellis had in- were some people who fi - neighbors. Of all the recognition that volunteers. than 1,200 volunteers and the Rugged Race and Color Run. He has also helped build stilled signifi cant qualities in myself that will surely benefi t nancially couldn’t afford to “We were all glued to the Matthews Jr. has received “I got a couple of young delegating them to various a playground at Gardens Elementary, and helped at a UIL me in the future.” rebuild and were forced to television listening to Mayor for his efforts, he cherishes students, and the three of us tasks over the course of two drumline competition and at the Crenshaw Park Cleanup. The South Belt Shining Stars will be presented in a series leave the area.” Sylvester Turner and County nothing more than the grat- went around to the different weeks. As for the future, Hong plans to pursue a career in en- of students being honored along with their favorite mentor. Still, the entire experience Judge Ed Emmett talk about itude that he received from parts of Dobie checking ev- “Wherever I needed to be, gineering while studying at the University of Houston. He The Shining Stars represent the top Pasadena Memori- has reaffi rmed his faith in the the magnitude of the fl ood- those that he rescued. eryone in,” said Cordero. I was,” said Cordero. “What I hopes to one day use his education to travel to developing al High School students. The information and photos were spirit of Southeast Houston. ing situation, as scenes of “The feeling he had been As the shelter grew larger really loved seeing was how countries and help those in need. submitted by Pasadena Independent School District. “The community pulled the surrounding areas came able to give back to the com- in number, Cordero became much people were willing to Hong said the following about Ellis, “Mrs. Ellis was The Leader is also running the Shining Stars from Do- together, and there were a across the screen,” said Mat- munity that had meant so charged with organizing the rise up to whatever challenge one of the fi rst teachers that I have met who truly loved the bie, South Houston and Lewis Technical high schools. lot of people that are in bet- thews Sr. much to him growing up was impacted individuals and was given to them.” ter homes with better living As Emmett made it clear priceless for my son,” said delegating tasks for the vol- Having witnessed the conditions now than they that the county’s resources Matthews Sr. “The gratitude unteers. devastation and havoc of were before the storm, even were exhausted and plead- on the faces and the look in “As it became larger and Harvey, Cordero is reminded if they lost some things that ed for help from the gener- their eyes of those he rescued larger, we had to fi nd peo- of the importance of natural they can’t replace,” said al public in the rescue effort meant more to him than any ple stations to go to and de- disaster preparedness. Nordin. for fl ooded individuals, Mat- recognition he could possi- termine whether they would “It’s very easy to dismiss “There was an exclama- thews Jr. wasted no time in ble receive, even though they be applying for shifts in the being prepared for a hurri- tion point put at the end of determining that it was time were too exhausted to say a morning or in the afternoon,” cane,” said Cordero. “I think the sentence, ‘Southeast to take action. single word.” said Cordero. “Everyone people really do need to plan Houston is a great place to “I walked outside and Despite being hailed as a else was busy making instant better, myself included. We live!’ because the commu- was standing in the driveway hero by many, Matthews Jr. decisions about more higher lack preparation as a com- nity really pulled together. when I heard my son open- remains extremely humbled priority stuff, so I took over munity, and I think it’s really Churches, businesses, gov- ing the double gates to our by the experience, ceding determining where people important to be prepared for ernment organizations, ev- backyard off the driveway,” recognition to others who would go.” a situation like this.” eryone just blurred the lines said Matthews Sr. “I asked he feels are worthy of such Once it became clear that With a heart guided by during that whole process him what he was doing, and praise. volunteers would be unable the need to help others, and tried to do whatever he stated, ‘You heard the “I would just like to thank to navigate to Dobie to help Cordero found it incredibly they can to help. It was re- judge. Our neighbors need all the other people, fi rst due to the rising fl oodwa- moving to see so many oth- ally encouraging to see the help. Isn’t this what you responders and private cit- ters, impacted individuals at ers like herself, gathered to- big hearts in the people of have done your whole life, izens, who were out there the shelter took matters into gether to pursue a common Southeast Houston,” Nordin Dad? Help people?’” assisting in boats and high their own hands. good. “In that time, seeing said. Without hesitation in water rescue vehicles,” said “The one thing that I people loving each other It is in instances such spite of the rising fl oodwa- Matthews Jr. “They did so found to be so beautiful was was amazing,” said Corde- as these, Nordin believes, ters, Matthews Jr. launched much in those two days, with when the displaced individ- ro. where the Christian faith his 20 feet jon boat at Beam- rescues in the areas that were uals actually became the “There were no fi ghts shines brightest. er Road near Beltway 8 and hit the hardest. They are all volunteers themselves,” said about race, age, or gender. “When something like set course for Scarsdale heroes in my book, and de- Cordero. “These are people We were all one. Society this happens, churches are Boulevard, determined to serve just as much recogni- who have possibly lost their now is so chaotic, it’s like what mobilize the volun- rescue any that needed his tion. We all did our part for homes, and they’re standing you always have to choose a teers,” said Nordin. “Peo- help along the way. our community.” up and becoming volunteers side. Our side was recovery ple drive by churches all the Concerned for his son’s Jessica Cordero to help their neighbors.” at that time, and everyone time and they go to churches safety, Matthews Sr. asked Playing an integral role in As the steady downpour was on it. Our community every week, but Harvey pro- his son when he would re- the volunteer efforts at the of rain made it diffi cult for was here for each other, and vided us with the opportuni- turn home. Dobie temporary shelter and volunteers to gather food that was the most beautiful ty to be the church and to let “When no one else needs at the Sagemont food pan- for the shelter, Cordero thing. We didn’t have time our light shine in a very dark my help or when it gets too try was area resident Jessica took to social media to ask for the silliness of the world time.” dark to keep going,” Mat- Cordero. her neighbors for help. The and the petty fi ghts. We just Looking back, Nordin thews Jr. responded simply. A longtime resident of community responded, de- wanted to be there for each jokes that he violated the Ten “Then, I will get up tomor- the South Belt community, livering more than enough other and help our commu- Commandments for a num- row and do it again, until Cordero graduated from J. food. nity,” said Cordero. Freeman playground gets AstroTurf Nestled under 50-year-old According to Mike Van going to do with all the turf?” install the turf at the play- trees at a playground at Free- Loenen, Freeman Elementa- said Van Loenen. ground. Harvey evacuees arrive at Dobie in any available vehicle man Elementary, now lies ry principal the area around Van Loenen then reached “This project would have artifi cial turf that was stored the playground was just dirt out to Judge Ed Emmett and never been possible without at the Astrodome after being and tree roots due to the es- Commissioner Jack Morman the generosity from Com- used at NRG Stadium for col- tablished trees not letting via email, who facilitated the missioner Morman and Judge lege and high school football grass grow. He researched delivery of 6,000 square feet Emmet and all the hard work games. ways to beautify and improve of artifi cial turf. by the PISD Maintenance Two rolls of Astroturf, the playground when he had He worked with the PISD crew,” said Van Loenen. “We weighing more than six tons, an idea while watching the Maintenance Department are so thankful to all of them were recently delivered di- news one night. “I saw rolls and a group of youth volun- for blessing our community rectly from NRG Park and of Astroturf being stored at teers from the Evangelical and our students with this do- installed as part of a beautifi - the Astrodome on the news Lutheran Church in America nation. cation project at Freeman. and I thought, what are they (ECLA) Youth Gathering to (See related photos Page 1A.) Thompson, Morris principals named Tanis Griffi n and Alli- the promotion of former adena ISD for all the oppor- ward to continuing her career son Lewallen were recently principal Melissa McCalla tunities they’ve provided me at Morris. named principals of Thomp- to executive director for the throughout my career,” said “I’m very appreciative for son Intermediate and Morris Curriculum and Instruction Griffi n. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Middle School, respectively, Connect Program. working with the South Belt students and staff at Morris,” during a special called meet- A longtime educator at community and providing a said Lewallen. “This is going ing of the Pasadena Indepen- Pasadena ISD, Griffi n taught wonderful environment for all to be a great year, and I’m dent School District Board of U.S. history at South Hous- our students at Thompson.” proud to be a Trailblazer.” Trustees. ton Intermediate and Bondy Lewallen is replacing Prior to her time at Ray- Griffi n will assume the po- Intermediate, where she also Daniel Hoppie as principal at burn, Lewallen was an instruc- sition as principal at Thomp- served as assistant principal. Morris Middle School. Hop- tional specialist at Dickinson son Intermediate, following “I’m very thankful to Pas- pie was recently promoted to High School and an AVID executive director for curric- campus coordinator at Flour ulum and instruction. Bluff High School. Individuals and families affected by the rising water that Hurri- made their way by City of Houston Public Works trucks, fl at bed tow Support Having spent the last six Both principals will assume cane Harvey unleashed made their way any way they could to the trucks, Metro buses, garbage trucks, furniture moving trucks and Leader years as an assistant principal their duties at the beginning of shelter that had been opened at J. Frank Dobie High School. People more. Photo by Marie Flickinger at Sam Rayburn High School, the 2018-2019 school year. advertisers! Lewallen says she looks for- (See related photo Page 1A.) Page 4 Section A, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Thursday, July 19, 2018 Heroes recognized Continued from Page 1A point to visit with each indi- Over The Back Fence by Alexis Harvey heroes Jason and Rebecca Carter vidual seeking shelter at the and Charles Smith temporary refuge. During Hurricane Har- “I personally made an at- share stories vey, few did more to help the tempt to talk to everybody By Laura Benavides Scallan honored as a Harvey hero South Belt community than who came through those Michael Gibson at the South Belt-Ellington local couple Jason and Re- doors, to see if they needed HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSE! Gonzalez. 25. Michael Gibson, fi reman Chamber of Commerce 34th becca Carter and their good help, to see what they need- Greetings for a happy birthday on July South Belt Elementary FRIENDS CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS and fi rst responder for the annual banquet on July 19. friend Charles Smith who ed, if they wanted to pray, and 25 are sent to Jose Abarca from his wife Send a birthday greeting July 19 to Norma The Leader sends happy birthday wishes last 24 years, will be honored During Harvey, Matthew; each tirelessly volunteered just let them know we were Natalie; children Kelvin Lopez, Noah, Castro. July 22 is the day for some birthday to friends who celebrate a birthday this week: as a Harvey hero at the South his parents, Monica and Rob- throughout the duration of going to make it through this Elliana and Isabella Abarca; mother-in-law fun for Maria Martinez. Thursday, July 19: Fred Alvarez, Terrell Belt-Ellington Chamber of ert Vela; and his sisters Zoe the storm. together as a community,” he Ellie Flickinger and her husband, Davy Melillo Middle School Session, Gary Hilliard and Anne Tyson; Commerce 34th annual ban- and Mady Vela gathered to- Jason Carter, who serves said. Flickinger (Leader president); grandparents Celebrating a birthday July 23 is Amee Friday, July 20: Junior Lynn, Curtis Eads, quet on July 19. gether shoes, clothes, food as a coach for the Sagemont A former daycare employ- Marie and David Flickinger; and friends and Stoneman. Mary Johnson, Chris Cole and Joey Throughout Gibson’s ca- and toilet paper to take to Cowboys, was responsible ee and mother of six, Rebecca staff at the Leader. Roberts Middle School Cowdyo; Saturday, July 21: Natalie Sweet, reer, he has been dedicated the shelter at J. Frank Dobie for rescuing numerous res- also felt at home while volun- SCHOOL DAZE Sing a double chorus of a happy birthday Denise McMurrough, Vanessa Veltman to the citizens of Houston High School. idents – fi rst by truck, then teering at the high school. The following personnel of the Pasadena song July 19 to Mekali Ball and Sandra and Danielle Clay; Sunday, July 22: Judith and recognized twice as Fire- Matthew’s sisters both at- by kayak – before taking “I know how to cook for a Independent School District celebrate birth- Palma. Kemle and Hey-Zues Lara; Monday, July 23: fi ghter of the Year. Last Au- tend Dobie High School. Zoe on a lead role at the tempo- lot of people,” she said. “This days July 19 through July 25. Beverly Hills intermediate Mario Salazar, Angeles Gomez, Melinda gust when Hurricane Harvey will be a senior and Mady rary shelter erected at Dobie is what I do already. It was Burnett Elementary Light the birthday candles July 21 for Yara Evans and Amanda Karsten; Tuesday, July struck Houston, his life-sav- a sophomore this coming High School, while his wife just for more people.” Blow out the birthday candles for Sandra Quintanilla. 24: Richard Schreier, Montoya Wilturner, ing efforts struck very close school year. assumed kitchen duties at the On the fi rst morning Do- Trojan July 19. Thompson Intermediate Connie Alberti, Richard Golenko and Pete to home. “It felt good knowing that makeshift facility. bie served as a shelter, it is Bush Elementary Sing a chorus of a birthday song July 20 for Ortiz; and Wednesday, July 25: Kelly Jones, After working four 24- I contributed to help people The parents of a Dobie estimated that Carter cooked Celebrate with a double-layer cake for Rosalba Lopez. Jose Abarca, Larry Bennett, Kathy Taylor, hour shifts with the Houston recover from Harvey,” said FFA student, the Carters’ around 600 pancakes, initial- Vanessa Gil and Erin Hubert on July 20. Dobie High Steven Thiele, Stephanie Gutierrez, Cherie Fire Department, he received Matthew. “I felt bad for the volunteer work started some- ly using only products she Sing a double chorus of a birthday song with A four-star birthday celebration is in order Cundiff, Mario Rodriguez and Brodie Riner a call in the early morning people and wished that they what accidentally when Ja- had brought from her own Rubi Contreras and Tonya Goan on July 25. for Saiyeda Blanco, Halee Edwards, Kevin Jr. hours of Aug. 26, that his could get back on their feet.” son encountered displaced home. Frazier Elementary Erickson and Norma Garces on July 22. LEADER WANTS YOU IN THE NEWS parents were trapped in their Matthew mentioned that residents walking toward the The Carters, who also Eryqa Glenn and Elizandra Lopez enjoy Dawn Sexton marks a birthday July 23. A Email birthday, anniversary, vacation, home with fl oodwaters still if his family was in need and school to take shelter, as he took fl ood victims into their a birthday July 23. Light the birthday candles triple-layer cake is in order for the July 24 congratulations, etc., to mynews@south rising. Gulf Meadows was had been affected by Harvey, was checking on livestock at own home, were touched July 25 for Virginia Light. birthday celebration of Rebekka Gabino, Cam beltleader.com with OTBF in the subject line. the neighborhood that Gibson he would have wanted people the campus’s adjacent agri- by how upbeat the evacuees Meador Elementary Luong and Abifoluwa Shitta-Bey. Birthday Items must be submitted by Friday noon for grew up in, and he knew he to help, too. cultural facility. were, given their bleak cir- Marking a birthday July 25 is Maria greetings are sent to Rowena Hickman July the next week’s publication. had to get to his parents and That is why he and his fam- “I didn’t get it at fi rst,” cumstances. nieces. He drove as far as he ily decided to step up and give Carter said. “I saw all these “There was nothing but could, then realized he would back to the community in its people walking down Black- love in that building,” said Ja- not be able to get into the most desperate time of need. hawk. There were droves. I son Carter. “Everyone there neighborhood with his truck Not only did they donate was like ‘what in the world? was happy. These are peo- J. Frank Dobie HS names junior varsity cheerleaders because the water was too items that were needed, the It’s just raining.’” ple who just lost their whole high. He was about to start family had the opportunity to Once he realized the se- house in a fl ood, and they walking when he noticed pass the items out to the evac- verity of the storm, however, were still happy, or at least volunteers were launching uees who needed them. Carter, who owns an elevated content. We were brothers two air-boats into the water This is a representation of truck – a Ford Excursion with and sisters of Sagemont tak- near the neighborhood. Gib- just one of the many families 18 inches of lift and 37-inch ing care of brothers and sis- son asked for their help, and who went above and beyond tires – went into rescue mode. ters of Sagemont. It was one, together made their way into to help those in need. “I called (Rebecca) and big happy family.” the neighborhood to make the Kenzie Fernandez said ‘I’ve got to help.’” Carter further extended rescue. The group made their Kenzie Fernandez, 10, After picking up Smith to his appreciation to the others way to Michael’s parents’ daughter of Pasadena In- help, Carter began going up who helped pitch in at the home. Once inside the neigh- dependent School District and down area streets search- shelter. borhood, the devastation was Board Member Kenny Fer- ing for others who needed “Every single person there greater than anticipated. In nandez and wife Kasie, will assistance. Carter focused his – every single volunteer, to some areas, only car roofs be honored as a Harvey hero attention on areas along Hall the powers that be like Marie were visible. As they navigat- at the South Belt-Ellington Road and Kirkfair because (Flickinger), the PISD po- ed through, it was soon real- Chamber of Commerce 34th even his large truck was in- lice, the teachers – everyone ized that it was more than just annual banquet on July 19. capable of crossing Beamer. showed how much they cared his parents that needed help. Kenzie volunteered at the A kayak fi sherman by hobby, and how much they love our This was the fi rst time in 40 shelter held at J. Frank Dobie Carter later used a boat to res- community,” he said. “We years that his parents’ home High School for several days. cue victims in fl oodwaters so were all there together to take had ever fl ooded. He started From morning until night, high that even fi re department care of the community.” to receive calls from child- Kenzie made and served hot vehicles couldn’t maneuver While members of the hood friends whose parents soup and drinks to individ- through them. American Red Cross and still lived in the same neigh- uals at the shelter. She also For her part, Rebecca National Guard even- borhood and needed help. helped her dad carry and dis- Carter collected dry clothes, tually arrived at Dobie Once Gibson got his family tribute other types of food to blankets and food and headed to provide assistance, the out, he knew he could not individuals. to Dobie to volunteer. Carters stressed the impor- go home and had to continue “I had never done stuff “That fi rst morning, it tance of local community helping. like that,” said Kenzie. “But it was all our comforters, all members taking a proactive When night came, he soon was a good experience. I was our clothes,” Rebecca Carter approach. found out that he would not feeling good about myself.” said. “As soon as supplies “A lot of times in a situa- be able to make it to his own When asked what drove walked through those doors, tion like this, people sit back home for the next few days her to help volunteer, Kenzie you were handing them to and think ‘oh, there’s people due to high fl oodwaters. Mi- stated that she had seen her someone who was putting who do this, they’ll take care chael then returned to the fi re dad help with the district, and them on. So instantly, I was of us,’” said Rebecca Carter. station to help where needed. she wanted to help with him. seeing children wearing my “If people in Sagemont had Michael’s giving heart Travis Teichelman children’s clothes and women done that, it would have been didn’t stop when the wa- Travis Teichelman, as- wearing my clothes.” a disaster. Everybody who ters receded. He returned to sistant principal at Thomp- Additional donations, could do something, they did his parents’ neighborhood son Intermediate, sprang however, soon began to fl ow something. And that, for me, and other neighborhoods into action once he received in. was the important part. And to help with the recovery a call on Sunday, Aug. 26 “There was an outpouring for anything else that comes efforts for the next several from his friend, Jerry Yerna, of support from the commu- up, if you can do something, months. to help rescue a family who nity,” said Jason Carter. do it. There’s not going to be “Alicia was bad,” said was stuck near Thompson. The couple attributes so- people coming in at 6 a.m. Gibson. “But I had never seen Teichelman, who owns a ca- cial media sites such as Face- with food.” J. Frank Dobie High School has named its junior varsity cheerlead- maris O’Der, Amy Guzman, (back row) Gabbi Lozano, Brianna Al- anything like this hit so close noe, was able to navigate the book and Twitter for helping Jason Carter contends the er squad for the 2018-2019 school year. Enjoying a pose together maguer, Yennie Tran and Alyssa Cooper. to home.” fl ooded waters to reach indi- spread the word. outside help wasn’t even nec- are, left to right, (front row) Emilly Guzman, Madisynne Reed, De- Photo by Amy Otwell After he had fi nished some viduals and families impact- “Social media played a essary. rescues, Gibson realized that ed by the storm who could big part in getting supplies,” “We had such an outpour- the people in the boat with not be reached by other boats. Rebecca Carter said. “It just ing from the community, we him were members of the Yerna’s wife was monitor- grew. People who could send didn’t really need anybody media from ABC News. The ing people’s statuses on social it in, sent it in, and if people else,” he said. news crew started fi lming the media and was their guide to couldn’t get there, we’d pick Kat Kiel Remember When rescues Gibson was making help those in most need. They it up.” While most Hurricane and even posted them to so- helped a woman who needed A devout Christian and Harvey stories involve human 40 years ago (1978) lowing arrests of eight teens The crimes reportedly took the Harris County Precinct the trunk of a second near- cial media. her prescription for insu- member of South Belt lives and property, the story Two mailboxes, one off in two separate incidents place from December 2004 2 Constable’s Offi ce. Mon- by car, a white Cadillac, To see the rescues, vis- lin fi lled, but could not get Church, Jason believes divine of Kat Kiel is different, as it Blackhawk, and the other during the previous week. to January 2008, when the tross, 28, was charged with unexpectedly opened. The it the website https://www. out in the water. With their intervention provided for focuses on the lives of four- off Sageplum, were blown Environmental Protec- two men were relieved of possession and distribution suspect told deputies the facebook.com/ABCNews/ handy canoe, Teichelman and some of the necessary sup- legged friends in the commu- up by some type of home- tion Agency offi cials an- duty following an internal of child pornography, inde- white Cadillac was also his videos/10156243799063812/ Yerna made their way to the plies. nity. made explosive using a soft nounced immediate action investigation that began last cency with a child and ag- vehicle. A search of the gray UzpfSTUxNzM3MDQzO woman’s house to help. They He recalled a story of do- When a temporary shelter drink bottle. be taken to learn why Brio November. Martin, who had gravated sexual assault of a Cadillac yielded Ecstasy DozMDYwNjExMjk0OT had to cross part of Highway ing rescue work in the middle to house the evacuees who Ralph Edwards became toxic chemicals were reach- been with the department 31 child. pills, methamphetamine and k0MTQ6MTA6MTQ4Mz 35 carrying the canoe, and of the night when he came were rescued from fl ood- the minister of education for ing Mud Gully and Clear years, retired from the force. An individual was car- marijuana. The suspect was I1NzYwMDoxNTE0Nz would paddle through water upon a woman walking on ing homes was set up early Sagemont Baptist Church. Creek. After testing samples Larson, a 16-year veteran of jacked Monday, July 21, detained, while the deputies kzNTk5OjcxNzgyOTcxND as they could. They found the Hall Road near St. Luke’s Saturday, Aug. 26, at Dobie 35 years ago (1983) in the waterways during the department, was off-du- around 11 a.m. at a carwash called a K-9 unit from the Q1NTQzOTQ5MTc/. woman’s home and went to Church, later identifi ed as High School, it quickly be- The Pasadena Indepen- April and May, EPA offi - ty with pay pending the out- in the 11400 block of Hall Houston Police Department. “One of the coolest things fi ll the prescription, and made Jessica Rowland. (See Row- came apparent that the shel- dent School District board cials became convinced the come of the investigation. Road near Beamer. The When the police dog arrived, was that it wasn’t just me out the journey back to deliver it land entry on Page 6A.) ter was a refuge for many of trustees was to make a toxics were from the Brio The pair were charged with driver of a late-model Lexus it hit on the white Cadillac, there,” said Gibson. “There to her. Teichelman mentioned When Carter asked if the lady South Belters who were also decision that could make the Superfund site. misapplication of fi duciary 300 was at the establishment where offi cers found more was a bunch of Houston Fire he was able to rescue one of needed assistance, she re- bringing their pets. The lo- district landlord of a gar- 20 years ago (1998) property. Martin was also when he was approached Ecstasy pills and marijuana, Department guys out there his own students at Thomp- sponded that she was going to gistical challenges of having bage dump on Genoa Red The Sagemont-Beverly indicted on charges of theft by a man who brandished as well as cocaine. The sus- helping out.” son from the water. work at the church’s Gabriel both people and pets together Bluff Road. Hills major all-star team by a public servant. a handgun and told him to pect was also found to have In total, Gibson volun- “Emotions came later be- Project – a program designed under one roof became clear Employee health insur- won the District 15 tourna- A man was fatally shot walk away from the vehi- $1,300 in cash on his per- teered for two days helping cause all you were worried to help women during crisis almost immediately. Often, ance premiums for PISD ment. by a bouncer at a local strip cle. The victim followed son. Mark Frausto, 22, was people get out of their hous- about was wanting to help,” pregnancies. Knowing there pets who are around unfamil- were to increase 13 percent Commissioner El Franco club on Sunday, July 20. Ac- the man’s instructions and arrested and charged with es, but didn’t make it home said Teichelman. was a huge need for diapers iar people become stressed, during the next school year. Lee announced a major de- cording to police, Jose Rog- walked away from the car three counts of possession until fi ve days later. Even On top of rescuing indi- at Dobie – one of the few agitated and even aggressive. 30 years ago (1988) velopment of South Belt’s elio Alanis, 38, of McAllen, wash, as the suspect jumped of a controlled substance after he was done rescuing viduals and families, Teichel- supplies lacking at the time So when the human and pet William A. Hyslop was county annex facility. This was asked to leave Sugar’s in the Lexus and sped away with intent to deliver. Both people from their fl ooded man and Yerna also delivered – Carter asked the woman populations of the Dobie appointed to replace the included the justice of the Gentlemen’s Club at Gulf from the scene. No immedi- of the suspect’s vehicles homes, Gibson said the hard essential supplies to those if she had any to donate. To temporary shelter began to chief executive offi cer of peace offi ce; relocation, en- Freeway and Dixie Farm ate arrests were made. were seized by police. work had just begun. He also who decided to stay in their Carter’s amazement, not only rise, the need to fi nd solutions Memorial Southeast Hospi- larging and moving the con- Road due to disorderly be- 5 years ago (2013) helped his family and friends home. Teichelman explained did the woman have extra di- for everyone’s safety took on tal, Steve Sanders, who left stable’s facility; and estab- havior. Shortly thereafter, The Pasadena Indepen- clear out and clean their there were several individu- apers, but she had enough to an urgency of its own. his post to participate in a lishing a tax offi ce, a county employees at the club were dent School District board homes. als who were marooned in the fi ll his entire SUV. When persons displaced new presidential develop- clerk’s offi ce and an offi ce told that Alanis was slash- of trustees named Stacy Matthew Vela center of a neighborhood and “At that time, Charles from their homes began to ment program. for Lee. ing car tires in the parking Barber the new principal of BAGS Matthew Vela, an upcom- just needed gas for their gen- said ‘you have to mark that arrive at Dobie’s temporary South Belt resident Chris 15 years ago (2003) lot with a knife. The club’s Beverly Hills Intermediate ing seventh-grader, will be Continued on Page 6A one up for God,’” Jason said. shelter late Friday night, Clark, Democratic candi- Dr. M. Derek Caraway, a bouncer, Travis Bohannon, School. Barber, who had “Because that’s too much for South Belt-Ellington Leader date for state Rep. Randy 1988 J. Frank Dobie gradu- along with another employ- served as an assistant prin- meets coincidence, if all these other publisher Marie Flickinger Pennington’s District 130 ate, became the new medical ee, went outside to investi- cipal at Beverly Hills since Largest selection of things hadn’t have happened, insisted that pet owners position, agreed to serve on director of the emergency gate the matter. As Bohan- 2009, replaced Alyta Har- wigs in Texas! there’s no way I would have needed to have their pets in a bipartisan municipal waste room at Memorial Hermann non, 27, approached Alanis, rell, who was promoted ear- July 27 randomly ran into this lady a sheltered area on the out- task force co-sponsored by Southeast Hospital. the man raised the knife and lier in the month to assistant FEATURING walking down the side of side of Dobie, where there Pennington. Sgt. Jonathan Wuneburg- moved toward the bouncer. superintendent for campus Bay Area Genealogical ESTETICA Hall Road. It was defi nitely was shelter from the rain, 25 years ago (1993) er, a 1997 Dobie graduate Bohannon, who has a li- development. Society invites the commu- put in place before we ever and the animals were able DESIGNS The PISD Board of Trust- and U.S. Marine who was cense to carry a concealed 1 year ago (2017) nity to hear BAGS member WIGS & EXTENSIONS RAQUEL WELCH™ got over there. That was the to move more freely with SIGNATURE COLLECTION ees approved a proposal to serving overseas, performed handgun, pulled out a pistol A call about a suspicious Melodey Hauch on Friday, OF WIGS & plan, to get diapers, whether less agitation from the close The Right BRA, HAIR ADDITIONS enter into a cooperative pro- security detail for Secretary and fi red a single shot at Al- person at an apartment com- July 27, present a detailed The Right Form! by JODEE we knew it or not.” proximity of strangers. How- gram with the “rich” Deer of State Colin Powell during anis. Alanis was transported plex on Algonquin at Scars- look at the removal of Tex- Caring Fitters Trained & Certified Becky’s As the population and ever, a decision was made Park school district. Details Powell’s visit to Sharm El to Ben Taub General Hospi- dale led to a bizarre drug as City's historic Campbell's to Help With All Your After Breast Surgery Needs. 125 E. Galveston Street amount of donations and the following day to move of the program were still to Shiek, Egypt. tal, where he later died. No bust early Monday, July 17. Bayou Cemetery and re-in- League City supplies increased at Dobie, the pets inside the school Great selection of be worked out and needed 10 years ago (2008) charges were fi led. Deputies from the Harris terment in Forest Park East Mastectomy Swimsuits 281-332-6407 Jason Carter transitioned and put them in a designated approval by Deer Park vot- A 1986 Dobie graduate Units from three separate County Precinct 2 Consta- Cemetery in Webster. from his role as a rescuer to area, since Harvey was still ers and the education com- and his former father-in- law enforcement agencies ble’s offi ce responded to The presentation features an organizer at the shelter. wreaking havoc, and the rain missioner. In the program, law were indicted Thurs- converged on a Clear Brook the call around 3:45 a.m. information on the pioneer- “I was relegated to chief had not stopped. Deer Park would share some day, July 17, on charges Meadows home Monday, to fi nd a male standing by ing Campbell and Parr fami- ? and threw my keys to some- Problems also began of its wealth with Pasadena. that they stole money from July 21, and arrested a himself in the parking lot lies of Galveston County and ant one else,” Carter said. “My to arise since many of the Robert Ingram was ap- the Houston Police Offi cers’ man following a federal in- of the complex. Respond- many photos of artifacts tak- regn profession is, I’m a yardmas- pets did not have kennels. pointed assistant principal Union. Jeff Larson, 39, and vestigation into child por- ing deputies said they de- en from the 34 graves dated e P ld I b ter at Union Pacifi c, so I keep To avert potential crises, at at Clear Brook High School Ronald Martin, 51, are ac- nography. Suspect Joseph tected a strong marijuana from the late 1830s to 1904. Cou a lot of stuff moving at one Kenny Fernandez’s sugges- at a Clear Creek school dis- cused of bilking more than Montross was nabbed in odor coming from a nearby The meet-and-greet starts time. It was kind of natural tion, Rebecca Carter called trict board meeting. Just $100,000 from the union, a joint effort by the U.S. gray Cadillac. The suspect at 6:30 p.m., and the program I need a pregnancy test for me to keep all the pieces Kiel, a South Belter who is one year before, Ingram, where they formerly served Immigration and Customs acknowledged the Cadillac begins at 7 p.m. in the Chapel I need to know what to do moving inside the building known in the community to who resided in CCISD, was on the board as treasurer Enforcement (ICE) Offi ce was his vehicle and report- at University Baptist Church, We are here for you. We care!! and make sure everything was have a big heart for pets as named to the same position and secretary, respective- of Investigations, the Pas- edly gave his consent for 16106 Middlebrook Drive. All Services are Free and Confidential. going where it was supposed well as strong organizational at Dobie High School. ly. The two men allegedly adena Independent School deputies to search the car. For more information, to go. I went into work mode. skills. Asian gang-type crime stole cash, cashed checks, District Police Department As the suspect was attempt- visit www.TxBayAreaGen. 281-484-0005 My wheels were turning.” On Monday, Aug. 28, at Beltway 8 South activity in the South Belt used credit cards and kept Internet Crimes Against ing to unlock the vehicle org or call Kim Zrubek at Crisis Pregnancy Center Jason Carter made it a Continued on Page 5A area had come to a halt fol- money from vehicle sales. Children (ICAC) unit and with his remote control, 281-992-2636. Thursday, July 19, 2018, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Section A, Page 5 South Belt Harvey heroes recount rescue stories during crisis Continued from Page 4A Kiel became emotional in Kiel was active on the page, igan in 1999. Oditt served as much more than it or its staff Coast Guard sectors, Sec- and Protection. ton directly, by contacting the whole process much more the height of Hurricane Har- remembering the coopera- coordinating and giving ad- the Chief of Prevention at the could handle. tor Houston-Galveston is The close partnerships the agent at the sector com- feasible,” said Oditt. “This is vey, when Carter called Kiel tion of those helping with the vice, and, upon Buchanan’s Eighth Coast Guard District, “Our Coast Guard night unique in that it has an in- with these agencies played mand. This allowed them to a one-of-a kind Coast Guard to assist with the rescued evacuees and their pets. request, assumed some ad- before assuming command of watch all came up and be- ner agency command center, a crucial role in the rescue send their boats from the Rio facility, because we have li- animals in the Dobie shelter, “I’m telling you when I ministrative responsibilities Sector Houston-Galveston in gan to take those calls,” with agents from the Harris operations. Customs Bor- Grande Valley to be used in aisons offi cers at every single Kiel was initially notifi ed think about it, it brings me with the Facebook page. The April of 2017. A highly dec- said Oditt. “It was like one County Sheriff’s Offi ce, the ders and Protection, for ex- the Harvey relief efforts. emergency operation cen- there was a problem situation to tears. It was amazing,” group now has more than orated offi cer, Oditt’s career of those old phone-a-thons. Houston Police Department ample, was able to reach out “The coordination with ter. Having those other fi rst with an aggressive pit bull. she said. “What I saw in that 5,700 members. has been marked with hon- As soon as someone put the and the Customs Borders the Sector Houston-Galves- these other agencies made Continued on Page 6A Knowing this could poten- place, with the evacuees tru- Thi Nguyen ors and awards, including the phone down, it would ring tially be a dangerous situa- ly helping sort clothes, doing A few months after Hurri- Meritorious Service Medal. immediately.” tion at Dobie, Kiel agreed to things, asking how they could cane Harvey left much of the One of the Coast Guard’s Overwhelmed with calls, come as soon as possible to help,whatever they could do area around Burnett Elemen- largest sectors, Sector Hous- the sector began rolling the Phan thankful for Peabody’s inspiration the school-turned-shelter. to get the job done. I was just tary damaged, former student ton-Galveston is comprised distress calls to its district of- Noelle Ngoc Phan (right), one of J. Frank Dobie High me more than the facts and fi gures of the world; she taught “I went to the command in awe. When I think about Thi Nguyen gave back to the of 17 subunits, 850 active fi ce in New Orleans and its School’s Shining Stars, is shown with distinguished educator me to become a better person. From life advices to motivating center room (in Dobie) and those young kids, the young school in a big way by host- duty personnel, 100 civilian area offi ce in Virginia. Even- Loan Peabody, ninth-grade Latin teacher at Dobie High School. stories, I seek comfort in her wise words and witty responses. brought a kennel for the dog, people not complaining, get- ing a Christmas festival at the personnel, and 200 reserves. tually, calls made in the Texas Phan volunteered for the Bracewell Library and at var- ‘Thank you for always feeding me yummy treats; for listening Benadryl that would make ting the job done, staying on campus on Saturday, Dec. 2. Together, the sector cov- coast would be transferred all ious events for Key Club. She was also captain of the Ac- to my overly dramatic life problems, and most importantly, for the dog sleepy and some task, I was just blown away; Nguyen – who later at- ers much of the Texas coast, the way to the Coast Guard’s ademic Decathlon team, Latin study captain for ancient being such an inspirational educator.’” treats.” Kiel said. how this community came tended Thompson Intermedi- from Freeport through Lake national offi ce in Washington geography and co-captain for Envirothon. The South Belt Shining Stars will be presented in a series The fi rst urgent pet situa- together without any profes- ate and Dobie High School, Charles. Daily operations of D.C. As for the future, Phan plans to major in environmen- of students being honored along with their favorite mentor. tion was resolved. sional training and made it graduating in 2007 – said the sector include everything Oditt and his sector now tal science, specializing in the fi eld of nuclear physics. She The Shining Stars represent the top Dobie High School With help of Sgt. Trae run like a well-oiled machine. she was inspired to organize from search and rescue oper- faced the issue of getting also wants to pursue a minor in economics. Phan comment- students. The information and photos were submitted by Morris of Pasadena ISD Po- It was amazing!” the event after receiving an ations to managing the com- calls back from the higher ed on Peabody, “Although I only had Mrs. Peabody for one Pasadena Independent School District. lice Department, a plan was Before being asked to help outpouring of support from merce ports. offi ces and determining how semester, she continued to be my teacher of a lifetime. Her The Leader is also running the Shining Stars from Pas- implemented to care for the at the Dobie shelter, Kiel said the community following In preparation for the Hur- best to handle them. classroom was fi lled with interesting lessons and sarcastic adena Memorial, South Houston and Lewis Technical high pets that came to Dobie. Ap- she felt helpless not being the death of her sister Jennie ricane, Oditt requested ad- “As they were getting these jokes that never failed to make me laugh. However, she taught schools. proximately 100 kennels that able to assist others from her Nguyen (also a former Bur- ditional Coast Guard forces phone calls, they would prior- were supplied by the Pearland home. nett student), who drowned from across the nation, in- itize them according to those Animal Shelter were picked “I was sitting here (at near Galveston in May 2000 cluding Paducah, Louisville with special needs,” said up and taken to Dobie. Since home during the storm), at the age of 7. and St. Louis, prepositioning Oditt. “We began launching Morris has served as a K-9 feeling so helpless because I “I’m just giving back to them along locations on the the Coast Guard helicopters handler and is currently as- couldn’t go anywhere or do the community for what they coast that he predicted would to get those high priority in- signed to patrol as a member anything to help anyone. So gave her,” Nguyen said. “It’s be the most heavily battered. dividuals until we could get of the Emergency Response I was just trying to provide a cycle of giving back. What Likewise, Coast Guard he- our fl ood response teams in Team, he was instrumental information on social media they did for me 17 years ago licopters were stationed in the area to start coordinating in facilitating the setup at the pages, trying to ask if pets really stuck with me.” nearby predetermined cities. with the local fi rst respond- Dobie shelter needed for the were left behind, trying to Nguyen, who had been In the hours leading up to the ers. The fi rst calls were going provision of the rescued pets. ascertain addresses, trying to collecting toys to donate storm, Sector Houston-Gal- out to Dickinson, and it start- Morris suggested the green- get help to rescue my friend since the previous January, veston’s parking lot was ed spreading out from there.” house would be a good ven- on Wessex in the attic with recalled approaching Burnett fi lled with two fl ood response The weather proved to be det- ue to shelter the animals, so the 18 dogs. I was feeling so Principal Jae Lee with her teams. rimental to the Coast Guard’s he asked Kiel to assess how helpless and I am so glad that idea of putting on a winter Unlike many other feder- communications. many pets were small and I could contribute in whatev- festival. al agencies, the Coast Guard “We lost our entire com- how many were large. The er manner to be able to help “I called and said ‘Hey, authorizes Oditt to act at his puter network,” said Oditt. Dobie greenhouse was des- our community members.” you don’t know me, but I own discretion without re- “It turns out that our redun- ignated as the area for pets, a Kiel related another story have about 4,000 toys to do- quiring the approval of his dant line went down to a place that was out of the ele- of a friend of hers who was nate,’” Nguyen said. superiors. This factor, com- single Verizon building in ments and away from the rest an independent rescue who In addition to the large se- bined with Oditt’s decisive downtown, so we lost all of of the evacuees but accessi- was trapped in her attic with lection of toys, Nguyen also action, enabled the Coast our Coast Guard communi- ble to the pet owners. Teams 18 dogs during Harvey. At- provided synthetic snow, a Guard to save the lives that it cations. We had to do it the of teens who were already tempts were made for two bounce house, a human-sized did. old-fashioned way with pen working in various capacities days to get someone to her snow globe, a photo booth “We are a pretty central- and paper. We had to impro- in the shelter were recruited home to rescue her and the and an appearance by Santa ized agency,” said Oditt. “I vise and fi nd different ways to assist in the cleaning of the dogs. In total, 21 dogs were Claus. Pasadena Mayor Jim have the authority to act, but to get the tasking out from kennels. rescued at that time in a boat Wagner was also in atten- we have support from the en- the command center to our “The assistant principal and taken to safety. dance to assist in the gift giv- tire Coast Guard. I put in a response teams.” of Dobie helped set up and The earliest that Kiel re- ing. request for additional forces, Battling the harsh weath- organized a number system members having a love for Burnett students were and the Coast Guard provides er elements proved to be es- to know which pet belonged pets was very early in her each given two presents the them. We saw that it was like- pecially challenging for the to which owner and recorded childhood. “I developed a previous day on Friday, Dec. ly to be a rain event, so we Coast Guard’s rescue efforts. their phone number to be able love for animals about when 1. A raffl e was held to award a started asking for fl ood re- Early inundation fl ooded to keep track of all of the pets I fi rst began to walk. I had a bicycle to two students, a boy sponse forces, and then I got some of Oditt’s prepositioned in the greenhouse at Dobie,” German shepherd puppy who and a girl, in each grade lev- that support from my chain of shelters, forcing the Coast said Kiel. “Pet owners were was always under my crib,” el. The school’s two select- command. The Coast Guard Guard to bring more than 200 responsible for feeding their said Kiel, who said that her ed pre-K students received a is unique in that I have the au- survivors back to its com- pets and walking them so as parents named the puppy Power Wheel vehicle instead thority already to act. I don’t mand sector. to prevent any possibility of Shadow because the dog was of a bike. have to wait for a declaration “Typically, we drop them Oseguera helps guide Lopez’s future (others) getting bit.” always near her crib and al- Nguyen also provided of emergency or anything.” off at the shelter and then go Ricardo Lopez (left), one of South Houston High gy. Mr. Oseguera believes in all his students, mentoring us Kiel did not return to her ways followed her around, prizes for an art contest and As the rainwaters began on with other rescues,” said School’s Shining Stars, is shown with distinguished educa- through his experience and helping us make decisions for home on Monday evening like a shadow. Throughout multiple raffl es. to fall on the evening of Aug. Oditt. “On the fl y, we had tor Michael Oseguera, 12th-grade BC calculus instructor at after we graduate. All teachers should be like him. Well for- since the storm was still rag- her young years, Kiel main- On Saturday, each child 25, Oditt sheltered in place to now suddenly take care South Houston High School. tunately, I was given the privilege of having Mr. Oseguera ing. tained a strong love and ap- (regardless of what school with his family. Although of over 200 survivors, while Lopez has volunteered for various events with Key Club for two years; he has not only taught me calculus, but also “I slept about 45 minutes preciation for animals, taking they attended) was given an Oditt and his family did not coordinating with county per- and National Honor Society. increased my passion for math as well as help guide my on a cot at Dobie on Monday care of many animals in her additional gift. Multiple raf- face any damage to their sonnel to come pick them up. Now that he has graduated from high school, Lopez future.” night,” Kiel said. life. Kiel is no stranger to fl es were also again held. property, many of his clos- A woman even gave birth in plans to either attend Texas A&M University in College The South Belt Shining Stars will be presented in a series On Tuesday morning, Kiel wandering pets. During the School volunteers helped est friends and colleagues did the air station.” Station or the University of Texas in Austin to obtain a of students being honored along with their favorite mentor. became very concerned. Fourth of July weekend she wrap each of the gifts, which not fare as well. Coast Guard helicopter pi- bachelor’s degree in computing engineering. The Shining Stars represent the top South Houston High “There was rain Monday cared for 10 dogs from the were then sorted by age and “We were very fortunate,” lots and air traffi c controllers In regard to Oseguera, Lopez said, “Since the fi rst day I School students. The information and photos were submit- night, and there was water community. Currently she is gender. said Oditt. “We had about demonstrated extreme versa- had Mr. Oseguera for a class, I realized he was no ordinary ted by Pasadena Independent School District. in the parking lot near the fostering four dogs. In all, roughly 1,200 peo- 100 Coast Guard families tility and innovation, operat- teacher. His passion for math makes his teaching enjoyable The Leader is also running the Shining Stars from Do- greenhouse,” said Kiel. “My “I have a personal rescue, ple attended the festival. that were impacted with more ing 30-year-old aircrafts in as he always lightens up the mood with his humor and ener- bie, Pasadena Memorial and Lewis Technical high schools. plan was to put the large dogs a husky, that was living on While all area schools than four inches of water in conditions beyond those for in kennels up on pallets so the beltway at the wayside were impacted by Hurricane their house.” which they were originally they would not be on the fl oor toll that the employees were Harvey, students at Bur- With a command sector to designed. and get wet. Many volunteers feeding and it would go over nett were the most affected. lead, Oditt was determined “Some of our pilots were helped, including teens who and just run the fi elds during Nguyen credits Lee for his to get to work, in spite of using duct tape to keep wa- were assembled, to prevent a the day and come back to get efforts during and after the the fl ooded streets. Treading ter from getting in their air- problem.” food. But no one could get storm. through three feet of water, crafts,” said Oditt. “At night, Although water did not their hands on her, she was “He’s an amazing guy,” Oditt began the four-mile they would take off some actually come into the green- nipping, she kept her dis- Nguyen said. “During Har- walk from his home to the of the helicopter parts to let house, Kiel had a plan in tance and I was alerted to her. vey, he was out in his boat command center before be- them dry. Our air traffi c con- place in case there was a I worked with her for four saving people. That’s going ing picked up by a high water trollers are actually getting an problem. In all, she said there nights and 16 cheeseburgers above and beyond.” rescue vehicle 1.5 miles into award for coordinating pilots were about 90 pets housed in later I was able to fi nally get Nguyen said she plans to his commute. from all over the country and the greenhouse. Many vol- a leash on her. Texas Lead organize another festival at Much of the Coast Guard’s getting them into specifi c lo- unteers worked tirelessly at Dog Rescue took her into the Burnett next Christmas called essential personnel and other cations in low visibility.” the Dobie shelter to make program, vetted her, did her Candyland. fi rst responders found them- As the storm eased up over the pet rescue a successful heart worm treatment, while U.S. Coast Guard selves in a similar situation to the South Belt community one. Kiel, along with many I fostered her, and I’ve had At the helm of the U.S. Oditt, requiring helicopters to and shifted its heading for others, worked all day Tues- her a little over a year. She is Coast Guard’s rescue efforts retrieve them. Beaumont, so, too, did Oditt day, then fi nished cleaning still very human stranger ag- during Hurricane Harvey “All the fi rst responders and his Coast Guard sector. and transferring the last of gressive so I don’t know that was Capt. Kevin Oditt, sec- had to get to work, so we had Immediately after the storm the pet-owner evacuees on she’ll ever go anywhere. She tor commander of the Coast our helicopters fl y and pick passed, Oditt moved the en- Wednesday morning. may be part of my permanent Guard’s Sector Houston-Gal- up additional air crews that tirety of the Houston-Gal- Since Dobie was only des- crew. We’ve done all kinds veston. were held at prepositioned veston fl ood response forces ignated as a temporary shel- of things from socializing The son of an Air Force hotels,” said Oditt. to the Beaumont sector and ter, a place had to be found different tactics, taking her veteran, Oditt’s military ca- As the steady downpour established an incident com- by Tuesday, Aug. 29, for pet to the dog park, muzzle, for reer began in 1992, when continued through the night mand post, tasked with mo- owners and their pets. Clean- her to get experience around he graduated from the U.S. of Aug. 26, homes began bilizing his fi nite resources to up and repairs at the high other humans.” Coast Guard Academy with a fl ooding at an alarming rate coordinate efforts with local school were needed prior to Kiel came to Houston in Bachelor of Science degree in throughout the Texas coast. fi rst responders. the scheduled start of school 1982 and had been active as electrical engineering. Oditt With the primary 911 call An arduous endeavor, on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Memori- a volunteer with the Hous- went on to earn advanced center fl ooded, all calls began Oditt credits the success of al Baptist Church was found ton Humane Society. A few degrees in naval architecture coming into the Coast Guard the entire Harvey operations willing to take evacuees with years ago, local resident Joe and marine engineering, and command sector. At its peak, to the close partnerships with their pets beginning Tuesday Buchanan started a Facebook manufacturing engineering nearly 1,000 calls were com- local agencies and govern- when they left Dobie. page called Pets of Southbelt. from the University of Mich- ing into the sector every hour, ment entities. Unlike other CHURCH DIRECTORY AAttendttend thethe churchchurch ofof youryour choicechoice

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Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated Bill & Cheryl Hines Register Now! 281-481-2003 Thursday 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday 4 to 5 p.m. WEEKLY SERVICE TIMES Parish Office 281-481-6816 Sunday Wednesday Faith Formation 281-481-4251 Early Service • 7:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting • 7:00 p.m. Youth Ministry 281-481-4735 Sunday School • 9:30 a.m. Mid-Week Service • 7:45 p.m. St. Luke’s offers ministries for ALL-families, men, women, youth, Worship Service • 10:45 a.m. children, young adults, single, divorced, separated, widowed. Nursery Available at all Services Page 6 Section A, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Thursday, July 19, 2018 Leader remembers local heroes from historic Hurricane Harvey Continued from Page 5A of whom were impacted in- of the Coast Guard’s efforts. that no two crisis situations happen. They’re innovative “We worked with them ple can be,” Campbell-Fox plained,” Kritzler said. “It 4B Disaster Response Net- responders and those oth- dividuals themselves, vi- “The volunteers were a are identical. Valuable les- and they’re eager for action. a lot,” Campbell-Fox said. said. “Patients were put in was again a privilege work- work and Eight Days of Hope er partners here was a tally supplemented the fi rst huge good news story,” said sons have been taken from They’re constantly looking “Their pharmacists were so very dire situations, but ev- ing side by side with these to make additional home re- huge force multiplier.” responders’ efforts, largely Oditt. “When our crews were the Harvey rescue effort to be forward to going out there good about helping us. I’d eryone came together to help folks. And a special thank pairs in the community. More Selfl ess volunteers, many contributing to the success out there, they would always be used in future hurricanes. and fi nding different ways call in the medicine, then each other out. It’s very re- you to Constable Chris Diaz. than 2,500 volunteers are ex- assisted by those volunteers.” “We learned a lot about to help people. Even if we my husband would pick it freshing to see that.” He gave myself and deputies pected to participate. COUPON In the year since, Oditt has search and rescue and the role weren’t telling them to do up and take it over to Dobie. Pct. 2 Constable offi cers everything he possibly could “We hope to do around FOUNDATION REPAIR worked extensively with im- that we play in urban fl ood- it, they would have been out They would give it to us at no Offi cers from the local pa- have to assist us with our op- 400 homes in one week,” $ pacted individuals, many of ing situations,” said Oditt. there doing it anyway. We charge.” trol contract for Harris Coun- erations.” Hastings said. “We’re now 200 OFF OR whom were Coast Guard per- “We’ve had fl ood response could not have been success- Campbell-Fox also vol- ty Precinct 2 Constable Chris Despite the hardships re- looking for those who fell (on jobs $2,500 & up) SEWER REPAIR sonnel themselves. teams, but we learned a lot ful without our people.” unteered, herself, at a shelter Diaz’s offi ce worked tireless- lated to Hurricane Harvey, through the cracks. Some “About 10 percent of our about how we could integrate in Manvel that had been set ly during and after Hurricane Kritzler feels the devastating homes have been gutted but Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per house. Dr. Mary Campbell-Fox Coast Guard family was im- more seamlessly with other During Hurricane Har- up at The Church On Mas- Harvey battling crime, con- storm also brought out the not rebuilt.” Hastings said re- pacted, because we live in the fi rst responders. We’re also vey, local physician Dr. Mary tersRoad. ducting rescue missions and best in people. covery work will continue for community that we serve,” evaluating how we could bet- Campbell-Fox did her part to The doctor said several doing recovery work. “Hurricane Harvey showed the foreseeable future. FOUNDATION REPAIR said Oditt. “I have had the ter make sure that people are ensure that affected residents other people who were med- On the initial night of the the South Belt area many “We’re going to be doing UNDER SLAB SEWER REPAIR chance to go out and talk at trained for specifi c tasks.” received their necessary med- ically trained also pitched in storm, Precinct 2 personnel horrible and horrifi c things. this for at least another two commerce clubs and other Within days following ications after being displaced to help. were brought in early and be- Through this, I got to see this years,” Hastings said. “we’re HOUSE LEVELING events, and everybody that Harvey, the Sector Hous- by the storm. “We had so much help,” gan staying at the Southeast community come together not stopping anytime in the I’ve talked to has just been so ton-Galveston did a com- Now a resident of Manvel, Campbell-Fox said. “Ev- Volunteer Fire Department fi rsthand and work together,” near future.” appreciative of all the efforts plete overhaul of their 911 Campbell-Fox was originally eryone who was a nurse, an Station 1 on Hughes Road Kritzler said. “There are hun- Memorial Hospital Allied Foundations of all the fi rst responders. Be- call center, replacing it with stuck in her home during the EMT, med-school students, near Blackhawk. This was dreds and thousands of people Southeast ing able to see all the people a new geospatial system, in storm due to fl ooding. pharmacists – they were only done through the assis- who helped, a lot from this Memorial Hermann South- that we were helping makes an effort to avoid some of the “I was trapped,” Camp- all so helpful. Every medi- tance of SVFD Chief Chuck community. I wish I could east Hospital was a beacon of 281-479-5247 us feel great about the job diffi culties that were caused bell-Fox said. “I was on an is- cal person called and asked Tylka. name and personally thank hope for many of the South that we’re doing.” by the aging system during land, and I couldn’t get out.” ‘What can I do to help?’” “I would like to thank them all.” Belt area’s sick and injured Throughout his long ca- Harvey. The new system has Campbell-Fox said she Chief Chuck Tylka for gen- FREE ESTIMATES Still wanting to help, how- Sagemont Church during Hurricane Harvey. reer, Oditt has recognized since been implemented in ever, the doctor reached out saw several of her own pa- erously allowing Precinct 2 Sagemont Church has a The hospital stayed open hurricanes Irma and Maria to Leader publisher Marie tients at the Manvel shel- to shelter at Fire Station 1 long history of helping the through the duration of the with great success. Flickinger. ter. While they reside in the and for being so accommo- less fortunate in the South storm, unlike during Hurri- “It was pretty impressive “I called Marie and told South Belt area, they were dating,” said Precinct 2 Lt. Belt community, and their re- cane Ike, when the facility HOST AN EXCHANGE that we were able to transi- her I couldn’t get to Dobie, unable to make it to closer Mike Kritzler. “I’d also like sponse to Hurricane Harvey opted to close. tion as fast as we did,” said but do you need anything?” shelters due to high water. to thank the entire Southeast was no exception. Southeast Volunteer Fire Oditt. “We’re looking for Flickinger responded that Campbell-Fox’s business VFD for everything they Immediately following Department fi refi ghter Dean STUDENT TODAY! longer term situations where there was a need for insulin at partner, Dr. Amir Ghebra- provided during the rescues, the storm, the church began Baier praised this decision. we could use that as part of the makeshift shelter that had nious, also volunteered his from manpower to vehicles. helping South Belt residents “This was 100 percent (for 3, 5 or 10 months) our toolkit. When you have been erected at the area high time, serving at a shelter set Working with them and their recover from Harvey by pro- better,” Baier said, calling the fourth largest metropolis school. up in Friendswood. A Friend- guys and gals was an honor.” viding meals and cleanup as- the move as a “blessing” Make this year the most exciting, and there are thousands and Campbell-Fox had insulin swood resident, Ghebranious As the storm began, dep- sistance. for area residents. See re- thousands of homes being at her offi ce near Memorial was also trapped at his home uties conducted proactive Acting under the title Ev- enriching year ever for you and fl ooded, we needed to be pre- due to fl ooding. Police were patrols and answered any eryone Matters: Sagemont lated SVFD entry on Page Hermann Southeast Hospital 1A. your family. Welcome a high pared for anything that could but was unable to get there. able to pick him up by boat calls coming in. As the night Serves, volunteers set up a school student, 15-18 years happen.” and transport him to the shel- fell, the water began to rise, base camp at the Sagemont While the hospital stayed Flickinger then arranged for dry, the surrounding area old, from Italy, France, Norway, For Oditt, the spirit of ca- the Southeast Volunteer Fire ter. They later then also trans- and the department’s patrol Church Annex, located maraderie that he witnessed ported him to his offi ce to efforts shifted into rescue across the street from the was underwater, and many Denmark, Spain, Germany, Department to pick up one of MHSH staff members had in Harvey’s wake outshines Campbell-Fox’s nurses to re- grab necessary supplies. operations. Deputies teamed church on Hughes Road near Brazil, Thailand or China as part all of its devastation and hav- Following the storm, up with Southeast VFD per- Beltway 8. diffi culties getting to work. of your family for a school trieve the medicine from the The dedicated staff, howev- oc. Whereas damaged prop- doctor’s offi ce, then to de- Campbell-Fox treated sev- sonnel and began answering The church annex served Marco from Italy, 17 yrs. year (or less) and make an Julie from Denmark, 16 yrs. erty can be easily replaced, eral patients for injuries and calls for assistance, as well as as a food bank for approx- er, found creative ways to get liver it back to Dobie, where to the hospital by any means Loves soccer and would like overseas friend for life. Enjoys gymnastics, swimming the authentic and genuine hu- it could be administered to ailments related to the storm, patrolling the neighborhoods imately a week for hungry to learn to play baseball. man spirit that was evident in several free of charge. for persons trapped in their residents who were affected necessary. Some used a kay- For more information or to and photography. She’s positive, evacuees. ak, some took military trucks, Marco is a boy scout and fun loving and easy to get the hurricane’s aftermath is When fl oodwaters began Despite the many chal- households. by the storm. Being one of enjoys the outdoors. select your own exchange student not so simply replicated. lenges of Hurricane Harvey, This was done in the the only churches in the area some took a boat, some wad- along with. to recede, Campbell-Fox was ed through waist-high water, please call: “It was amazing to be a also instrumental in obtaining Campbell-Fox was inspired SVFD’s high-water vehicles, to have a full docking station part of the response effort,” by the actions of the commu- as well as the Clear Brook for 18-wheelers, the base some rode bikes and some additional medicines through braved driving. said Oditt. “It was really the H-E-B and Kroger phar- nity. City MUD’s high-water res- camp then transitioned into our people that made this “You see how hardy peo- cue vehicle, obtained through a distribution center. In all, Hospital administrators Marcy at 1-800-888-9040 (Toll Free) or e-mail us at [email protected] macies. made a short video thanking For privacy reasons, photos above are not photos of actual students the assistance of Dean Bai- 21 tractor trailers utilized the er, who also serves with the facility to drop off goods, ac- the staff for their heroic ef- SVFD in addition to the cording to Dr. Jim Hastings, forts. www.whhosts.com MUD. minister of Sagemont’s Help- “All of the nurses are Harvey heroes recount tales “I would like to thank amazing, and I am so thank- World Heritage is a public benefit, non-profit ing Hands program. Continued from Page 4A ichelman was able to make the high water and hoped Clear Brook City MUD’s The annex also served as a ful for every single one of organization based in Laguna Beach, CA. erators. his way into Thompson to that one would stop to help. Dean Baier,” said Kritzler. home base for cleanup crews, them,” said a patient in the In between rescues, Te- check on the school. Once Sure enough, someone “I personally rode with Dean which the church referred video who was treated at the he entered the school, he stopped and asked her if she for several days during the to as “mudout teams.” The hospital during the storm. “I took pictures and notifi ed the needed any help. She ex- storm conducting rescues. teams, which consisted of know that they’re so tired. principal that Thompson had plained where she worked Dean never once asked to eight to 10 volunteers, went They’ve been here the same taken on water. He described and that topic led to the take a break and was right through the community and number of days that I have. what he discovered as a sur- donations that were in her there with Precinct 2 deputies removed carpet, Sheetrock So, I’m very, very grateful.” real moment. vehicle. She loaded up their the entire time. It should be and other items from dam- The video goes on to de- “I was in shock,” ex- truck with all the essential noted that his staff was out aged homes. liver a heartfelt message plained Teichelman. “Like, supplies and then made her there as well with us.” While assistance was of- praising the MHSH staff holy cow. It took a while to way home. For the next two days, fered to all, including mem- members for their dedication process it all.” “To me it wasn’t a big deputies conducted rescue bers and nonmembers alike, to helping others in their time When asked about Bev- deal,” said Rowland. “I was operations 24 hours a day. church offi cials prioritized of need. erly Hill Intermediate open- just doing such a small thing Deputies were assigned to cleanup efforts based on “Your dedication to our ing its doors to Thompson, to help. What I was able to work 12-hour shifts, but need, with widows, the elder- patients and to each other is Teichelman said he was not do was so small in the big many of them stayed on and ly and disabled people being amazing,” the message read. surprised that they did that. picture that I didn’t feel I worked 24 hours at a time. helped fi rst. “You go above and beyond “I worked for Beverly had done enough, but at the With the fl ooding came A total of 619 area homes the call of duty. You were Hills for 14 years and I know same time I knew my abili- hundreds of rescue calls, and received mudout assistance. here to serve our patients the type of people that work ties were limited. It wasn’t deputies attempted to answer The church also provided and our community when it there,” said Teichelman. “I important to me that some- as many as possible. By this fi nancial advice to affected counted most. We appreci- knew there wouldn’t be any one knew I did it, it was just time, the water in certain residents as how to best use ate you for working together, friction. It was sort of like important to do it.” areas, including Kirkwood available funds from FEMA rolling up your sleeves, unit- you were going to go stay Rowland will be honored and Highland Meadow, had and other government agen- ing in prayer and fi nding the with family for a little while. as a Harvey hero at the South risen so much that boats had cies. strength to continue serving, It’s obvious that they are go- Belt-Ellington Chamber of to be utilized. Harris County “I talked to at least 500 caring and providing out- ing to take you in to help. It Commerce 34th annual ban- Pollution Control was able families personally,” said standing medical care and was nice to know we would quet on July 19. to lend Precinct 2 a large Hastings. helping out wherever needed. have a temporary home so Hilton Koch boat, and deputies continued Additionally, the church We are so proud of your re- we wouldn’t have to be split Hilton Koch, founder of to perform rescues through- allowed Lutheran South silience, acts of kindness and up.” Hilton Furniture and Mat- out the day and most of the Academy to temporarily selfl ess leadership. You are After the water receded, tress, knew he had to help night. relocate to its facility, as our Harvey heroes.” Teichelman received dona- during the devastation Hur- Deputies also teamed up the school’s own campus Texas Air National Guard tions from family and friends ricane Harvey unleashed. He with numerous volunteers suffered extensive damage The Texas Air National located in central Texas and used his furniture delivery coming from all over with during the storm. Guard played a crucial role in near Bryan, Tx. to distribute trucks and a few pick-ups, in boats and rode along while Later in March, the church organizing municipal relief to people still in need. The total seven vehicles, to help continuing to answer calls. teamed up with the organiza- efforts both during and after items were loaded up and rescue people out of high While deputies were unable tions 4B Disaster Response Hurricane Harvey. distributed through out the water and transport much to answer every call, they Network and Eight Days As the storm intensifi ed, community. Teichelman no- needed donations and sup- tried their best to do so and of Hope to make extensive the TANG’s responsibilities ticed that when they came plies. took part in rescuing several home repairs throughout the did too, especially after it across a family rebuilding “As a leader in the com- hundred families and pets. area, including Sheetrock was determined that Elling- their home who had some munity you don’t have any As the rescue calls began work, fl ooring and cabinets. ton was the only major oper- extra supplies, the families options but to get involved,” to slow down, deputies with The primary recipients were ational airport in the Greater would give those items to said Koch. “That’s part of Precinct 2’s Special Opera- people who had not already Houston area. Teichelman to give to anoth- who we are. Don’t ask if you tions Division turned their received assistance from oth- “Initially, our primary er family in need. need help, just jump in and focus to recovery missions. er sources, such as FEMA or concern was just keeping the Teichelman will be hon- start helping. The question “This is probably the insurance. lights on at Ellington – en- ored as a Harvey hero at the went from ‘what can we do’ worst job one could perform Nearly 5,000 volunteers suring our airfi eld and sup- South Belt-Ellington Cham- to ‘how much can we do.’” after a natural disaster such from 47 states and multi- porting infrastructure was ber of Commerce 34th annu- In each furniture moving as this,” said Kritzler. “I can ple other countries, mostly ready to receive follow-on al banquet on July 19. truck, about 30 people could proudly say that deputies skilled laborers, participated forces and support our tenant “I didn’t organize any of fi t to be transported and the did not locate one diseased in the effort. More than 20 units,” said Col Matthew A. these efforts,” said Teichel- team of trucks made over person during these home-to- churches took part in the en- Barker, vice commander of man. “We just received the 100 trips to different loca- home searches. This speaks deavor. TANG’s 147th Attack Wing. call to help and went out to tions to drop off evacuees. volumes to the rescue efforts While male volunteers “The U.S. Coast Guard Air help.” It is estimated that Koch and performed by this community were housed at the Mall of Station Houston (also lo- Jessica Rowland his team were able to help as a whole, as the water was the Mainland in Texas City, cated at the Ellington Field Jessica Rowland, coordi- between two and three thou- well up to the roofs of several female volunteers and ap- Joint Reserve Base) started nator of the Gabriel Project sand people out of fl oodwa- hundred homes.” proximately 40 families were fl ying at fi rst light, making Ministry at St. Luke’s Catho- ters. As the water receded, dep- housed at Sagemont. the fi rst saves of the disas- lic Church, helped out those Luckily, none of the ve- uties turned their attention The church also provided ter. Our security forces, fi re/ in most need by making a hicles used in the rescues back to proactive patrols and volunteers three meals per rescue service and civil en- great donation of essential were damaged, but Koch ex- began trying to curb any loot- day. gineers are responsible for baby supplies to evacuees plained that he was not even ing. According to Hastings, the smooth operation of the being held at the shelter in concerned about vehicles be- “I can honestly say looting 748 homes were rebuilt. base during normal opera- Dobie High School. She ing damaged. was kept to a very minimum The church’s recovery ef- tions and also during a cri- had heard at her church, St. “It was a very close call in the South Belt area on the forts have continued to date. sis like Harvey. A couple Luke’s, that there was a shel- with what we pushed some days following the storm,” In early June, the church hours after landfall, it was ter operating at Dobie. At of the vehicles through,” Kritzler said. “I credit this to provided meals for a group clear that Ellington was the the time, the shelter was in Koch said. “But it’s one of the guys and gals and their of 250 volunteers from only major operational air- dire need of diapers, baby those things you don’t even very proactive patrols.” World Changers Internation- fi eld in the Houston area, so wipes, blankets and other es- thing about when people are Kritzler is grateful for the al Church, as they worked to we worked with the Houston sential baby supplies. in need.” efforts of Leader publisher make home repairs. Airport System and our air- “When I got home, I just Koch stated that the team Marie Flickinger. For the entire month of fi eld managers to ensure we had to do something,” said of trucks was in rescue mode “I’d like to give a huge June, children in the Dickin- were ready to serve as a hub Rowland. “I didn’t know for two days. After that, the thank you to Marie Flick- son area whose homes were for airlift, search and rescue, what so I talked to my hus- team of trucks went into inger,” Kritzler said. “When destroyed and were still liv- and any other missions the band. I told him I would go transport mode and helped I was unable to fi nd a close ing in hotels were invited to governor tasked us with.” up to the Gabriel Ministry with the moving of essen- location to take rescued fam- a month long evangelistic Bi- Once the worst of Harvey building to get supplies to tial donations and supplies ilies, Marie had already be- ble school, which Sagemont had passed, TANG’s played take to Dobie.” to shelters. He mentioned gun working on this and had provided at no cost. a supportive role for multi- Once Rowland made it that he just wished that they reached out to Dobie High At the end of June, a group ple other state and federal to Gabriel Ministries, she could have done more. School. I don’t think any- came from Virginia to make entities that were coming to packed her car full of dia- Koch will be honored as body else in the state could home repairs in Pasadena. A assist, in addition to its own pers, baby wipes and blan- a Harvey hero at the South have made some of the things few days before they were to rescue efforts. kets, and made her way to- Belt-Ellington Chamber of happen as fast as she did.” arrive, the bus they were to “I was part of the ‘ride- ward Dobie. The water was Commerce 34th annual ban- The lieutenant is also use while here broke down, out’ team, a cross-function- too high off of Blackhawk quet on July 19. grateful for the help of the lo- and they were without trans- al cell that hunkers down on for her car to pass, and she “I’m glad we were in a cal Precinct 2 deputies, who portation. Church offi cials base and starts executing mis- parked her car near the position to get the help we went above and beyond the responded by providing free sions as soon as it is safe to do school and got out of her car. were able to give, said Koch. call of duty. transportation to the group. so,” said Barker. “As the vice She could see large vehicles “And everybody is still in “They all worked tire- In October, the church wing commander, I’m also making their way through our thoughts and prayers.” lessly and never once com- again plans to team up with Continued on Page 6B SECTION B Thursday, July 19, 2018, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Section B, Page 1 SPORTS & CLASSIFIED Dave Campbell’s Dave Campbell’s Texas Football picks Atascocita 22-6A Projected Finish The bulletin board mo- with Summer Creek third from the bottom up. an undefeated run in Dis- a season ago in the first quarterback John Hol- Expectations are high at tivational material has ar- and South Houston fourth. Many times, a new year trict 21-6A and an appear- round and went on to play combe. South Houston, Dobie, that much is clear. 1. Atascocita rived at Dobie, courtesy If this pattern holds true of predictions is largely ance in the third round of in the third round. meanwhile, has defeated Yet there are just four of Dave Campbell’s Texas in any form, that will leave based on results of the pre- the playoffs. Summer Creek went Dobie two straight sea- starters returning on both 2. Kingwood Football annual released Memorial, Dobie, Pasade- vious season. In this case, Similarly, Kingwood two rounds deep, but will sons en route to back-to- offense and defense. earlier this month. na and Rayburn fighting Atascocita is coming off defeated South Houston need to replace starting back playoff berths. Continued on Page 3B If preseason predic- 3. Summer Creek tions mean anything in the world of high school 4. South Houston sports, it’s Campbell’s longstanding magazine 5. Memorial that tries to get it right. So here we go. In the upcoming District 22-6A 6. Dobie varsity football alignment, Class 6A power Atascocita 7. Humble is the big favorite to claim the district championship. 8. Pasadena Next up is Kingwood, At right, Dobie’s Kali 9. Sam Rayburn Marquez (64) was an all-district selection as a junior and is expect- Learn to Scuba Dive ed to anchor the Long- horns’ offensive front this season as the team TEXAS looks to end a two-year DIVE CENTER playoff drought. 281-741-9949 www.txdivecenter.com At far right, Kris Mor- ris (20) took over as 364 FM 1959 Suite D, Houston, TX 77034 the Longhorns’ start- (two blocks from Ellington Field) ing tailback midway through his freshman season in 2015 and has been solid since. Now, as a featured weap- on in new head coach Kevin Berneathy’s of- fensive, Morris very well could be saving Lunch Menu his best season for last. Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. If Campbell’s is right, Wolverines are in DIXIE DELI 364A FM 1959 We Can Cater Your Special Event! It may well be a tall It’s easy to see why the players for 2018, could (between I-45 & Hwy 3) DAILY SPECIAL – $4.99 task to make a serious Chargers of Clear Springs very well have enough Dave Campbell’s 281-484-3083 challenge for the District are the chosen team to to get past the rest of the Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 6” PO-BOY, CHIPS & DRINK HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 3-7 p.m. 24-6A football champion- beat. In 2017, the Chargers field. ship, but if Dave Camp- went undefeated in league Clear Creek, now led 24-6A Projected Finish bell’s Texas Football play and won a playoff by former South Houston magazine is correct, Clear game before North Shore head coach Dwayne Lane, 1. Clear Springs Brook will take its act to ended the team’s season in must also replace its start- the postseason in 2018. the area playoff round. ing quarterback. Defending District Clear Lake, which came Clear Falls and Alvin 2. Clear Lake Cosmetic, Implants and USA KARATE 24-6A champion Clear out of nowhere a season simply have not had much General Dentistry Springs is Campbell’s ago to reach the playoffs, luck reaching the postsea- SUMMER CAMP 3. Dickinson Bring ad for free whitening after a choice to repeat as the is back in the running with son in recent seasons. new patient exam, xrays, and cleaning. SIGN UP NOW! overall No. 1 playoff seed, preseason Most Valuable Clear Brook enters the 10950 Resource Parkway $130 WEEKLY FEE INCLUDES while Clear Lake has Player Shae Suiaunoa 2018 season with Lupe 4. Clear Brook Suite C • KARATE TRAINING edged out Dickinson for leading the way from his Florez, formerly of Bay (Near Memorial Southeast Hospital) • FIELD TRIPS second place. quarterback position. City, now in charge. Dr. Angel Román • LASER TAG COME LEARN: Meanwhile, Clear Dickinson, which won Despite starters at quar- 5. Clear Creek 281-481-0056 • IMAX • RESPECT • PUTT-PUTT • FOCUS Brook has garnered sup- its final five games of last terback, running back, re- • BOWLING • CONFIDENCE port as the fourth and final season to reach the post- ceiver and defensive back 6. Clear Falls • SKATING • DISCIPLINE playoff seed in District season, is looking forward to the collegiate ranks, • MOVIES • AND MORE 24-6A, holding off Clear to another great season Clear Brook appears to • WILD LIFE ZOO Creek, Clear Falls and Al- with preseason Defensive have retained some of 7. Alvin • FROZEN TREATS • & MUCH MORE vin. Most Valuable Player Col- its trademark speed and Call USA KARATE for details Friendswood, a play- by Mouton back at line- quickness, having ad- off representative of 24- backer. vanced to the state 7-on- Robinson Fastpitch 11101 RESOURCE PARKWAY (Behind Sonic) 6A last season, will drop Clear Brook, projected 7 championships for the 281-484-9006 down to Class 5A for the fourth despite the need to third consecutive summer next two school years. replace a bevy of offensive last month. Camp set for Aug. 10 SSun.-Thuun.-Thurss.. 1111 aa.m..m. - 1010 p.m.p.m. The Robinson Fastpitch To register for the camp, Fri.i. & SSat.at. 1111 aa.m..m. - 1111 pp.m..m. JFD football offers Camp for youth softball visit www.mcdon aldclin- players is coming to the ics.com. For more informa- South Belt Girls Softball tion, direct email to camp LLunchunch SpecialsSpecials youth camp July 30 Association’s facility at director and Dobie High $$55 OFFOFF ffromrom $$5.995.99 El Franco Lee Park next School graduate Iver Mc- Buy one Entree at regular Dobie varsity football things” within the Dobie month. Donald Robinson at iver- price and get $5.00 off head coach Kevin Ber- football program. The camp will be held [email protected]. Friday, Aug. 10, from 8:30 McDonald Robinson, a second entree HHAPPYAPPY HHOUROUR neathy and his staff are Cost of the camp is $40 a.m. to 1 p.m. four-year starter at Dobie, Sat. - Thur. only. Not valid with any 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. ready to host the 2018 per student and includes a Cost of the camp is $140 played collegiately at the other offer or discount. Limit 1 per Longhorn Youth Camp camp T-shirt, certificate of per participant and will University of Oklahoma. table. Dine in only after 4 p.m. Not FFREEREE MiniMini BuffetBuffet July 30 through Aug. 1 at participation and possible valid with Lunch Specials. include instruction from She is the youngest of Expires 7-31-18 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. the school. camp awards. coaches from such colle- three McDonald siblings The youth camp is open Participants should giate programs as UH-Vic- to play at Dobie and then Daily Specials • Catering • Gift Cards to those entering the third wear proper attire, includ- toria, Louisiana State, compete collegiately and/or Party and Meeting Rooms Available at all Locations through eighth grades as ing shoes (cleats if possi- Centenary College of Lou- professionally. of the 2018-2019 school ble), shorts, T-shirt, etc. isiana, Sam Houston, Har- Krystal McDonald South Belt • 281-484-6888 League City • 281-334-2175 year. Water will be provided, din-Simmons and more. played at San Jacinto Col- 12933 Gulf Freeway 2951 Marina Bay Dr. Ste. 150 Participants will receive but participants may also Players entering the sev- lege and TSU, while Sha- instruction in all phases of bring their own. enth through 12th grades ronda McDonald played at NASA • 281-557-3500 Stafford • 281-240-3060 the game, including pass- Parents must provide as of the 2018-2019 school Texas A&M. She is cureent- 1020 NASA ROAD 1 @ 45 12821 SOUTHWEST FRWY. ing, receiving, running medical insurance for their year may attend the exciting ly the head coach at Camp- www.lashaciendasgrill.com the football, blocking, children as the Pasadena camp. bell University. tackling, pass defense, ISD does not provide such the kicking game, special coverage for events of this teams responsibilities and type. ASE Certified more. For additional informa- The camp also rep- tion about the camp or the Mechanic On Duty resents a great time for Dobie football program, LUBE • AUTO REPAIR CARWASH 11210 Scarsdale those in attendance to call Berneathy at 713-740- (Between I-45 & Beamer) learn the “way of doing 0370, ext. 04165. NOW HIRING CASHIERS & 281-484-5945 South Belt softball CAR WASH PERSONNEL Mon. - Sat. 8am - 7pm, Sun. 9am - 5pm sets fall ball sign-up Now Offering A Full Line Of Exterior Washes “Wash & Go in under 5 min.” The Works Wheels $ Shine & $ $ The South Belt Girls possible is preferable. $ 13 10 Express 6 Includes 20 & Tires Polish Softball Association is There are no fundraiser Includes “Express Exterior • Ocean LAVA Carnauba Wax Includes “Shine & now offering online regis- fees, and additional sibling Exterior” Plus • Wash • Underbody Rinse Polish” Plus tration for its fall ball sea- discounts are available. • Tri-Color Wax • High Velocity Drying • Wheel Cleaning (By Hand) • Rain-Guard (In Tunnel) son. Visit www.southbeltsoft $ • Tire Shine (In Tunnel) • Wheel Cleaning • Clear Coat Protectant (In Tunnel) $ 50 • Clear Coat Protectant $ $ Players age 4 through ball.com for registration • Tire Shine (By Hand) 29 *Monthly 35 • Underbody Rinse 20 16 as of Aug. 1, 2018, are details. • Hand Drying *Monthly *Monthly *Monthly eligible to compete in the For questions about league. Early registration the registration process is going on now through or about the league, leave *MONTHLY UNLIMITED WASH PLANS (PER VEHICLE) July 31, at $70 per play- questions on the league’s er. Regular registration is Facebook page at South Full Service Oil Change $29.99 Aug. 1 through Aug. 15, at Belt Girls Softball Asso- - Includes our 16 point inspection - Oil Change (Up to 5 Quarts Conventional Oil) plus $75 per player. There will ciation. League officials • Install New Oil Filter • Check & Fill Transmission Fluid • Check & Fill Windshield Washer • Check PCV Valve also be late registration regularly monitor the • Complete Chassis Lube • Check Air Pressure in all Tires • Vacuum Interior • Check Radiator Overflow Reservoir • Check Brake Fluid • Check Gear Boxes • Check Air Filter & Cabin Filter • Check Belts FREE opportunities, but getting Facebook page and will • Check & Fill Power Steering Fluid. • Check Battery Fluid • Check Breather Element • Check Wiper Blades this handled as soon as answer quickly. Up to 5 Qts Conventional Motor Oil - 16 Point Check • With coupon. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Expires 7/31/18. Car Wash Page 2, Section B, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Thursday, July 19, 2018 Dobie bowling teams complete standout season at state, nationals By John Bechtle The girls’ team went and freshman Rudy Luna cially true with bowling. good run of success not tions. Pasadena ISD have boys’ and compete at the Pasa- to only grow as the years Sports Editor on to make the fi rst cut at were named fi rst-team sin- “The kids are playing in just this year but the past The most important are, and girls’ teams, and our dena location. go by. Collegiate scholar- The Dobie boys’ and nationals in Illinois, con- gles players. city and state leagues on several.” then, that students main- athletic department has District bowling or- ships are becoming more girls’ bowling teams de- cluding the best season Coach Steven Mullins Saturdays and Sundays, The University Inter- tain academic eligibility been behind us all the ganizers Kada Lamas of and more common for serve all the credit they get in program history with a traveled with the team to and also spend plenty of scholastic League, the of- and represent their pro- way. Pasadena Memorial High Texas bowlers. for the memorable season 16th-place ending. state a season ago and be- time at local alleys like Ar- fi cial governing body of grams with good sports- “As I said, it’s real- School and Pasadena High The sport has gained turned in during the 2017- Individually, freshman came the group’s leader madilla I and Armadilla II. extracurricular activities manship and fairness. ly been a collective ef- School’s Nora Solis also a boost from the likes of 2018 school year. Victoria Lazo placed 37th this season. “On top of that, it’s im- in Texas public schools, “Our school has pushed fort from a lot of people deserve mention, Mullins ESPN, which has for sev- Rightfully so, and in the in singles at nationals, A former varsity tennis portant to point out the does not recognize bowl- us to treat our program to help our program get said, as they handle match eral years broadcast the end it’s important to point coming up with the best player at Dobie and cur- commitment and support ing as an offi cial sport at as if we were under UIL where it has. The level of scheduling and so much NCAA championships. out that it’s been a team ef- fi nish of any Texas female rently a faculty member from the parents. They all this point. policies, and of course commitment from every- more. “It’s growing, and we fort. player at the competition. there, said the players de- play a big role in this with But most school dis- we think that’s great. The body involved has simply Plenty of parents have have seen a boost in popu- And what a season it Lazo averaged a 194 scor- serve every bit of recogni- the travel, the expenses tricts who promote the district has really gotten been great.” been giving of their time larity in our district. More was. The Dobie boys’ team ing fi gure at nationals. tion they get. and so forth. sport – obviously the Pasa- behind our efforts in a big Mullins cited the coop- in volunteer fashion. Do- and more districts are sup- fi nished second at the state On the boys’ side of “They put in the work “These parents make dena ISD included – make way, and we’ve had terrif- eration and generosity of bie’s program is gaining porting the sport. I’m excit- competition this season, things, Dobie made the all year-round,” Mullins big sacrifi ces for their it a point that participants ic support from our princi- the folks at the Armadilla its footing across the state, ed about the future of the while the girls wound up fi rst round of cuts also as said. “Every sport is about children, and it has paid adhere to the same rules, pal, Franklin Moses. bowling lanes, noting that and Mullins expects the sport at the high school lev- 11th. senior Brandon Harder consistency, but it’s espe- off. We have had a really guidelines and qualifi ca- “All of our schools in PISD teams both practice popularity of the sport el.”

At left, Dobie was among the list of Tex- as-based teams com- peting at the National High School Bowling Championship June 23- 25, in Fairview Heights, Ill. Dobie made the fi rst cut and placed 16th in the end, with freshman Victoria Lazo taking 37th place in singles, the best fi nish for any Texas player with an average game score of 194. Those represent- ing the Lady Longhorns at state and nationals included, left to right, (front row) Lazo, Ell- yssa Manriquez, (back row) Chelsey Keener, Monica Zabala and Sydney Mejia. Not pic- tured is Jade Jacobo. Submitted photos

At right, members of the Dobie boys’ bowl- ing team that competed at nationals included, left to right, (front row) Rudy Luna, Francis- co Camargo, Raphael Escalona, (back row) Brandon Harder, Nico- las Luna, Nicolas Guer- ra and Joseph Castillo. The Longhorns made the fi rst cut at na- tionals and wound up 19th overall as a team. Luna, a freshman, and Harder, a senior, made the boys’ fi rst team at the conclusion of play. At the state competition in May, the Longhorns were second as a team. Practices begin Aug. 1 Longhorn netters set to start long team tennis run Aug. 9 at DHS

Talk about a long sea- about the love of the game. Summer Creek, has been a Dobie Longhorns son. A former high school regional power for several Beginning Wednesday, standout at Galveston’s seasons. Aug. 1, the Dobie tennis O’Connell High School, Kingwood fi gures to 2018 Varsity Team Tennis Schedule program will open work- Moreno has now coached be the 22-6A favorite en- outs as the team tennis at the high school level for tering play, and Atascoc- Date Opponent Time portion of the schedule 35 years. He will enter his ita defeated Dobie in the nears. 20th season at Dobie Aug. bidistrict round of play a Aug. 1 Team practice 6 to 8 p.m. Technically, high 1. season ago. Humble and school tennis delivers the No matter the season, Summer Creek may be Aug. 6-7 Team practice 6 to 8 p.m. longest stretch of com- Moreno and the Long- wild cards in the mix, but petition of any available. horns strive for excel- still require close atten- Aug. 8 Team practice 8 to 11 a.m. Workouts begin Aug. 1, lence. What’s in store for tion. with the team tennis sea- 2018? It’s a bit more com- The biggest issue fac- Aug. 9 at Dawson 9 a.m. son running through at plicated to determine that ing Dobie, at least early least the third week of Oc- this season. on, will be experience. Aug. 10 at Friendswood 6 p.m. tober. While repeat District Four players who ad- Following a break for 22-6A champion Deer vanced to regionals during Aug. 11 Dobie exes matches 9 a.m. the holidays, Dobie typi- Park has moved on along the spring season all grad- cally serves up the spring with La Porte, things may uated, and other top play- Aug. 14 at Katy 3 p.m. tournament portion of its have even gotten a bit ers have moved on as well. schedule in the latter por- tougher to navigate in the Dobie could endure Aug. 15 Clear Brook 3:30 p.m. tion of January, with play newly-aligned league. less-than-desirable results running through late April. Kingwood, one of four early on, but the goal is to Aug. 16 Clear Falls 9 a.m. For Dobie head coach newcomers along with be ready for district play Manuel Moreno Jr., it’s all Atascocita, Humble and Sept. 7. Aug. 16 George Ranch 3:30 p.m. Aug. 17 Clear Creek 9 a.m. Aug. 21 at Alvin 3 p.m. Aug. 24 Pearland 3 p.m. Aug. 28 Clear Springs 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31 La Porte 3 p.m. Sept. 5 at Dickinson 3 p.m. Sept. 7 *Summer Creek 3 p.m. Sept. 11 *at Pasadena 3 p.m. Sept. 14 *at Clear Springs 4 p.m. Sept. 14-15 at Remembering Ike tourn. TBA Sept. 18 *Humble 3 p.m. Sept. 21 Morton Ranch 3 p.m. Sept. 25 *at Kingwood 3 p.m. Sept. 28 *Atascocita 3 p.m. Oct. 2 *at Rayburn (Taylor TC). 3 p.m. Oct. 5 *South Houston 3 p.m. Oct. 9 *at Memorial 3 p.m. Manuel Moreno Jr., in his 35th overall season as a high school tennis coach, A fun start to Dobie’s team tennis season is in the exes matches series, when all Oct. 15-20 Bidistrict playoff round TBA is set to start his 20th campaign at Dobie as he leads the Longhorns into what former Longhorn players are invited to compete in doubles matches against promises to be a challenging run in the new-look District 22-6A, headed by Re- twosomes featuring 2018-2019 players. Above, former top-ranked Dobie boys’ * – District 22-6A matches gion III power Kingwood. Dobie begins the regular season Aug. 9, at Dawson. singles player Ruben Vargas is expected to return Aug. 11 to compete. Thursday, July 19, 2018, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Section B, Page 3 Sports camps, clinics, misc. Clear Brook, Dobie youth VB camps

Clear Brook High School varsity volleyball head coach Meredith Thompson and Dobie varsity volleyball head coach Dawn Sexton are hosting youth camps just ahead of the start of the preseason. At Clear Brook, Thompson and her staff will host incoming third- through ninth-grade students (as of the 2018-2019 school year) July 23 through July 26, at Lady Wolverines’ gym. Participants will gain instruction in all phases of the game, including serving, setting, passing, digging, hitting and offensive and defensive strategies. Those entering the third through the fifth grades will attend the first session from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and sixth- through eighth-grade begin- ner-level players will attend from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Eighth- and ninth-grade advanced-level players will attend the camp from 10:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Preregistration cost for third- through fifth-grade students is $100. The cost for the other two sessions is $120. Payment must be made by cash, cashier’s check or money order. No personal checks will be accepted. For any camp information, direct email to Thompson at mthomp1@ ccisd.net. Sexton and her staff will host the Lady Longhorns’ 2018 volleyball camps for incoming freshmen through 12th-graders as of the 2018- 2019 school year. Sexton will welcome participants July 24-26, from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $45, cash only. Incoming freshmen will attend from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $40, cash only. Families are also required to provide participants’ medical insurance as the Pasadena ISD nor the Clear Creek ISD provide such coverage. Thompson sets summer camp series Dobie senior tackling machine Cervantis Pounds (42) will be a key cog in the South Houston quarterback Torrence Stevens, a three-year starter, garnered The Thompson Intermediate coaching staff has scheduled a va- Longhorns’ defense this season as the group tries to slow some explosive of- enough attention in the offseason to be named the preseason Offensive Most fensive units. In the 2018 season opener Aug. 31 at Santa Fe, Pounds and his Valuable Player in District 22-6A. Having already led the Trojans to consec- riety of camps and fi tness activities aimed at keeping fi rst-year and teammates will be keeping a close eye on Indians’ standout quarterback Nathan utive playoff berths in 2016 and 2017, Stevens clearly is focused on getting his returning Lion athletes active this summer. Parents must provide Kruger, who passed for nearly 1,900 yards and 20 touchdowns in eight games. team a win after back-to-back bidistrict losses. medical insurance coverage as the Pasadena ISD does not do so for these types of events. JFD will battle PISD foes as playoff berth dangles in 2018 Volleyball Camp – The Lady Lions’ July 31-Aug. 3 volleyball camp Continued from Page 1B return. Kali Marquez, an terback, has been chosen brother, Broderick Wil- up front. ing rusher in the district Kris Morris, the team’s all-district selection in as the preseason Offensive liams, is back at tailback As for the rest of the during both his junior and for girls will include training in all phases of the game, including primary starting tailback 2017, is the team’s top re- Most Valuable Player in along with three-year Pasadena ISD ranks, Me- senior seasons. Kicker offensive and defensive alignments, conditioning, passing, hitting, since midway through turning offensive lineman. the 22-6A ranks. starter Ethan Ponce. morial has the best chance Bubba Baxa, one of the serving, blocking, etc. Registration is $25 cash only per student. his freshman year, could Defensively, hybrid Stevens is certainly the Like Dobie, the Trojans to get past any of the oth- Houston area’s best, has be poised for a breakout linebacker Cervantis straw that stirs the soda at also have a trio of solid re- er front-runners and reach also moved on to college, Camp hours are 9 to 11 a.m. season in Berneathy’s of- Pounds and Michael On- South Houston, but he has ceivers, including Ian But- the postseason. where he will play at the fense. ozie, a defensive back, are others to assist him offen- ler, De’andre George and However, the Maver- University of Miami. Strength/Conditioning Camp – The Lions’ July 23-26 strength and There is also depth at the key players back. sively. Devanijie Foster. icks will have to do with- As for Pasadena and receiver, where Jeremiah Of note, South Hous- While 1,100-yard rush- Defensively, all-district out 2017 District 22-6A Rayburn, those programs conditioning camp for boys and girls will include strength training, Ballard, Cameron Guy ton’s Torrence Stevens, a er Davion Williams has choice Samuel Webb will Most Valuable Player are always looking to spin agility drills, tire work, stair climbing, ladder work, weight training, and Johnathan Baldwin third-year starter at quar- graduated, his younger return as a disruptive force Alex Williams, the lead- the standings. conditioning and more. Registration is $25 cash only per student. Camp hours are 9 to 11 a.m. Dobie graduate Williams Yates Football Camp – The Lions’ July 30-Aug. 2 football camp will in- clude strength training as well as drills in all phases of the game, including passing, receiving, ball carrying, tackling, defensive sec- makes National Softball Hall ondary work and more. Registration is $25 cash only per student. Christa Williams Yates, Texas, where she helped Williams Yates was 4-0 a 1996 Dobie High School the Longhorns reach the with an ERA of 0.51. Camp hours are 9 to 11 a.m. graduate and one of the Women’s College World After college and the most decorated softball Series. Olympics, she went on Aug. 10 – All football players, including incoming seventh-grade pitchers in the history of The University of Texas to play professionally for the sport, will add to her began its softball program several seasons. students, will pick up their football practice gear and pay a one-time list of achievements later in 1997 under the direc- Before moving to $65 participation fee. All volleyball players, including incoming this year. tion of head coach Connie Friendswood High School, seventh-grade students, will pick up their practice gear and pay a Williams Yates, current- Clark. After a solid first Williams Yates was the ly the varsity girls’ softball season, Texas welcomed head coach at Manvel one-time $45 participation fee. Eighth-grade pickup time is 10 a.m. head coach at Friends- the transfer of Williams High School. She was a to noon, with seventh-grade pickup time to follow from 1 to 3 p.m. wood High School, has Yates from UCLA. member of the inaugural been voted into the Na- As a sophomore in class of inductees into the tional Softball Hall of 1998, Williams Yates went Pasadena ISD Athletics Pasadena ISD offers football season tickets Fame by USA Softball 28-6 with a 0.46 earned Hall of Fame. and will be officially in- run average to help Texas Earlier this year, Wil- Pasadena ISD athletic department offi cials are now selling varsi- ducted in October. to the WCWS. liams Yates was nominat- ty football season ticket packages at a discounted rate now through Growing up in A season later, Wil- ed for the Texas Sports Sagemont, Williams Yates liams Yates went 23-9 at Hall of Fame but was not August 24, at the district’s athletic offi ce, located at 2906 Dabney helped lead Dobie to the Texas. Over three colle- chosen for induction. in Pasadena. Class 5A state champi- giate seasons, Williams However, it seems only Dobie fans may purchase a 7-game package for $42, or $6 per onship in 1993 and 1995, Yates was 72-23. She went a matter of time before then missed out on her 51-15 at Texas. one of the sport’s all-time ticket. All tickets at the gate the evening of a game are $7 each. senior season after being Williams Yates was in- greatest pitchers receives Beginning Aug. 25, offi cials will also be selling individual pre- chosen as a member of ducted into the UT Athlet- that invitation as well. sale game tickets at $6 each for adults and $3 for students. Team USA for the 1996 ics Women’s Hall of Hon- As for Dobie, the pro- Olympic Games in Atlan- or in 2007. gram is tied for the lead in The Dobie ticket packages may also be purchased online at ta. The star pitcher won all-time Texas state cham- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dobie-varsity-football-season-tick- After high school grad- her second Olympic gold pionships, having won et-2018-tickets-47952900416. The district offi ce also has season uation, Williams Yates medal in 2000 as a mem- it all in 1993, 1995 and Christa Williams Yates, a 1996 Dobie High School graduate and two-time played one season at ber of Team USA in Syd- 1997. Current Dobie head Olympic gold-medal winning softball player, is widely considered as one of the ticket packages available for its other four high school programs. UCLA and then trans- ney, Australia. Over two coach Robin Rackley was greatest pitchers in the history of the sport at all levels. She’ll be inducted into ferred to the University of Olympic appearances, on the 1993 squad. the National Softball Hall of Fame in October. CALENDAR Let the THURSDAY, JULY 19 FRIDAY, JULY 20 11 a.m. and Christmas, 2 to 3:15 p.m., First United Methodist 7 a.m. 7 a.m. Al-Anon Meeting (Women Only, English) – For Church, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena. For details, AA Meeting – “Breakfast With Bill” Tuesday through AA Meeting – “Breakfast With Bill” Tuesday through women affected by an addict. Saturdays, 11 a.m., First call 281-487-8787. Friday, 7 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1062 Friday, 7 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1062 United Methodist Church, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy., 5:30 p.m. Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, in Cornell Conference Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, in Cornell Conference Pasadena, Cornell Conference room #111. Call 281- Celebrate Recovery – A faith-based 12-Step Program, room. Call 281-487-8787 for details, or drop in. room. Call 281-487-8787 for more information, or drop 487-8787, or drop in. Sundays, 5:30 p.m., in the Chapel at Life Church, 9900 10 a.m. in. 1 p.m. Almeda Genoa. Call 713-419-2635 for details or to Leader Clear Lake Bridge Club – 299’er games Tuesday and 10 a.m. Clear Lake Bridge Club – Open games Saturday and RSVP for child care. Thursday, 10 a.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call the Clear Lake Bridge Club – Open games Monday, Sunday, 1 p.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call the club at 7 p.m. club at 281-480-1911 or email the director at jpochs Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 281-480-1911 or email the director at jpochsner@aol. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Vigilance Group of NA [email protected] for details. 77062. Call the club at 281-480-1911 or email the direc- com for details. meets Sundays, 7 p.m., 2245 N. Main St., Pearland. For Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Imperfect Nooners tor at [email protected] for details. 7 – 10 p.m. details, call 713-856-1611. help Group, noon, 2245 N. Main, Pearland. For details, call Noon Bay Area Singles Club – monthly dance is 7 – 10 p.m. 8 p.m. 713-856-1611. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – West End Group, at the VFW Lodge, located at 5204 Highway 3 in Alcoholics Anonymous – meeting at CrossRoads 6 p.m. noon, Shepherd of the Heart United Methodist Church, Dickinson, 77539, Post 6378. Bring party snacks to UMC on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 Texas German Society, South Belt (SE) Chapter – A 12005 County Rd. 39, Pearland. For details, call 713- share. Cost is $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers. p.m., 10030 Scarsdale Blvd. For information, call 281- social group focused on the culture, music, heritage 856-1611. For more information, call 832-483-3257 or 832-477- 484-9243. with and language of Texas German immigrants. Meets the 7 p.m. 6778. MONDAY, JULY 23 third Thursday, monthly, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Vigilance Group of NA, 7 p.m. 10 a.m. Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 10310 Scarsdale Blvd. open meeting, 2245 N. Main St., Pearland. Call 713- Bay Area Bluegrass Association – bluegrass music Al-Anon Deer Park – Mondays, 10 – 11 a.m. Literature Visitors welcome. Email [email protected] 856-1611. show and jam session on the third Saturday (except Study. In His Presence Fellowship Church, 1202 East P for details. 8 p.m. December.) Stage show is at 7 p.m. Pickers may bring Street, Deer Park. Enter through back of church. Call your 6:30 p.m. Serenity Now Al-Anon Group – meets at CrossRoads instruments and come early. Free. Johnny Arolfo Civic 409-454-5720 for details, or drop in. Harris County Master Gardeners – presents Raised UMC Fridays, 8 to 9 p.m., 10030 Scarsdale Blvd. Center, 300 Walker, League City. For details, visit http:// 10 a.m. Beds on Thursday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Freeman Family members and friends of problem drinkers/ www.bayareabluegrass.org. Clear Lake Bridge Club – Open games Monday, Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane. This is a free Harris addicts share, learn Al-Anon principles, that they are 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call County Master Gardener event. For details, visit https:// not alone, and discover choices available. For details, Alcoholics Anonymous – meeting at CrossRoads the club at 281-480-1911 or email the director at advertising. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubGreenThumb.aspx or call call 281-484-9243. UMC on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 [email protected] for more information. 713-274-0950. SATURDAY, JULY 21 p.m., 10030 Scarsdale Blvd. For information, call 281- 11:30 a.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 a.m. 484-9243. Overeaters Anonymous Deer Park – 11:30 a.m. to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Women’s Group, open Alcoholics Anonymous – “Breakfast with Bill”, SUNDAY, JULY 22 12:30 p.m. Literature Study. In His Presence Fellowship meeting, 7 p.m., 2930 E. Broadway (FM 518), Pearland, Saturdays, 7:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1 p.m. Church, 1202 East P Street, Deer Park. Enter through First Presbyterian Church (youth building). For details, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, Cornell Conference Clear Lake Bridge Club – Open games Saturday and Fellowship Hall in back of church. Call 409-454-5720 for 281- call 713-856-1611. room. Call 281-487-8787 for more information, or drop Sunday, 1 p.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call the club at details, or drop in. 7:30 p.m. in. 281-480-1911 or email the director at jpochsner@aol. Noon The Bay Area Writers’ League – Meets the first and 10 a.m. com for details. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Imperfect Nooners 481-5656 third Thursdays monthly to improve writing skills, Barnes Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Vigilance Group of NA, 2 p.m. Group, noon, 2245 N. Main, Pearland. For details, call and Noble, 1029 W. Bay Area Blvd., 7:30 p.m. open meeting, 2245 N. Main St., Pearland. For informa- Grief Support Group – For adults who have lost a 713-856-1611. Newcomers are welcome. tion, call 713-856-1611. loved one. Meets Sundays, except Mother’s Day, Easter Continued on Page 4B Page 4, Section B, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Thursday, July 19, 2018

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We are seeking local volunteers to join our active Volunteer Fire and EMS De- Continued from Page 3B Friday, 10 a.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call the club at 281-480-1911 partment. If you are over 18 and can pass a background check and driving re- MONDAY, JULY 23 or email the director at [email protected] for details. 3:15 p.m. Noon cord check, we encourage you to come join us any Thursday evening at 7PM Houston Area Parkinson Society – Free exercise and speech ther- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Imperfect Nooners Group, noon, apy for adults with Parkinson’s, 3:15 – 4:45 p.m., Clear Lake 2245 N. Main, Pearland. For details, call 713-856-1611. at our #1 Fire Station at 10510 Scarsdale Blvd. If you have no, or very limited Rehabilitation Hospital, 655 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster. Visit 1 - 3:30 p.m. training, we will provide all the training and protective gear upon acceptance. If www.hapsonline.org for details. Hometown Heroes Park – has free Hump Day Dance to practice 6-8 p.m. ballroom dance. These sessions are not lessons. 1 to 3:30 p.m. you have any previous fi re or EMS training, (Fire Department, Forest Service, CrossRoads UMC – Mercy Hearts meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 1001 E. League City Pkwy. League City nonresidents Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m., at CrossRoads UMC located at 10030 must purchase activity card (see Tuesday 12:30 p.m. dance for Military, etc), we can accept those training hours also. You can visit our web- Scarsdale. The focus of the new Mercy Hearts is support for families details). Help is available to assist learning dance moves. For details, site: www.southeastvfd.com to learn more, download an application package of inmates and ex-offenders. The program will provide a complimen- call Neva Schroder at 417-838-2204. tary meal, group Bible study and discussion. Child care is provided. 7 p.m. and see some of the activities that we participate in yearly. Please come to one This is a confi dential ministry and information will be treated accord- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Vigilance Group of NA, open meeting, ingly. For details, contact C. Talbot at 281-245-7072 or Chucktal@ 7 p.m., 2930 E. Broadway (FM 518), Pearland, First Presbyterian of our meetings to meet your fellow volunteers and join us in this very impor- msn.com. Church-youth bldg. For information, call 713-856-1611. tant and worthwhile activity. Become a valued and needed part of our growing 6 p.m. Bay Area Turning Point Crisis Intervention – Call 281-286-2525 Scrabble Club #511 – Meets Monday at IHOP, 11222 Fuqua. Come, (24-hour crisis hotline) for confidential domestic violence/sexual community where Neighbors Help Neighbors! Your community needs you! improve crossword playing skills. Call 281-488-2923 for details. No abuse support group for women. Visit www.bayareaturningpoint.org meetings on holidays. for information. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Pearland Overeaters Anonymous HOW Meeting – Mondays at St. Alcoholics Anonymous – meeting at CrossRoads UMC on Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2535 E. Broadway (FM 518), Pearland. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 p.m., 10030 Scarsdale Enter door next to recycling bins. For details, call 713-865-3668 or visit Blvd. For information, call 281-484-9243. Support Leader Advertisers www.oahouston.org. THURSDAY, JULY 26 7 p.m. 7 a.m. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Vigilance Group of NA, open meeting, AA Meeting – “Breakfast With Bill” Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m., 7 p.m., 2930 E. Broadway (FM 518), Pearland, First Presbyterian First United Methodist Church, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, in Church-youth bldg. For information, call 713-856-1611. Cornell Conference room. Call 281-487-8787 for more information, or 7:30 p.m. drop in. Looking Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Saint Luke’s Group, 12 Step 10 a.m. South Belt-Ellington Leader Recovery, open meeting Mondays, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Education Clear Lake Bridge Club – 299’er games Tuesday and Thursday, 10 to sell Bldg., 11011 Hall Rd., 77089. For details, call Russell at 832-483- a.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call the club at 281-480-1911 or email 6715. the director at [email protected] for details. Deadline: or lease Congregation Shaar Hashalom – Israeli Folk Dancing on Monday, Noon Leader Reader Ads 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., 16020 El Camino Real, 77062. $4/session or $35/10 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Imperfect Nooners Group meets at Personal: Noon Tuesday your home? sessions for CSH members and $5/session or $45/10 sessions for noon, 2245 N. Main, Pearland. For more information, call 713-856- nonmembers. Everyone is welcome. For information, contact 281-488- 1611. 25 Words - $8 • 3 Weeks $21 Ads Are Not Taken Let us 5861 or [email protected]. 6:30 p.m. Over The Phone TUESDAY, JULY 24 Kirkwood Civic Association meets at the Sagemont Community Business: 7 a.m. Center, 11507 Hughes Rd. For details, call Ericka McCrutcheon at 25 Words - $10 • 3 Weeks $27 help you! AA Meeting – “Breakfast With Bill” Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m., 281-989-9990. 7 p.m. no changes, no refunds First United Methodist Church, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, in Cornell Conference room. Call 281-487-8787 for details, or drop in. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Women’s Group, open meeting, 7 Place an 9:30 a.m. p.m., 2930 E. Broadway (FM 518), Pearland, First Presbyterian ad in the Pasadena Heritage Park and Museum – Exhibits include dioramas, Church (youth building). For details, call 713-856-1611. ______a turn-of-the-century doctor’s office and an old-time kitchen. Tuesday South through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 204 S. Main, Pasadena. For ______details, call 713-472-0565. Belt- 10 a.m. American Begonia Society – Houston Satellite meets on the fourth Visit us online at ______Ellington Tuesday, Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Pkwy. (on the lake side), Leader's Seabrook. For information, call Joe at 281-481-2458. ______Clear Lake Bridge Club – 299’er games Tuesday and Thursday, 10 weekly a.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. Call the club at 281-480-1911 or email www.southbeltleader.com the director at [email protected] for details. Real Estate 1 – 2 p.m. Free dance lessons – taught by Lewis and Betty Whistler (35 years Make checks payable to: section! experience teaching dance) at Hometown Heroes Park, 1001 E League City Parkway, on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Bringing a partner 11555 is helpful but is not required. All ages are welcome. Each month, fea- South Belt-Ellington Leader tures a different focus. In July, basic Cha-Cha lessons are taught. For South Belt Beamer questions about this class or other lessons they teach, call Betty 11555 Beamer Road, Houston, TX 77089 at 832-517-5833. For questions about League City’s activity card 281- requirements, call the park offi ce at 281-554-1180. League City Parks Dept. requires an activity card for all participation of activities. Graphics & Printing After Hours: Use mail slot in 481-5656 Seniors (age 55 and older) get a free “full activity card.” Nonresident front of building facing Beamer. 281-481-5656 seniors pay $25 a year for this full activity card. If under age 55, there is a “special limited to ballroom activity card” (residents pay $25/ One stop for all your printing needs year, nonresidents pay $37.50) to enjoy “daytime” ballroom activities. Noon Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Imperfect Nooners Group, noon, 11555 Beamer 281-484-4337 2245 N. Main, Pearland. For details, call 713-856-1611. Rotary Club of Pearland – Meets Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Golf- Need Help Finding Your crest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Dr., Pearland. Lunch is $15. Variety of interesting speakers. For information, call 281-900-7257 or visit [email protected]. 1:30 p.m. To submit items Dream Home? TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) – #1530 meets at the Sagemont Park Community Center, 11507 Hughes Rd., 1:30 p.m. For informa- tion, call Jeanette Sumrall at 713-946-3713. for the 2 p.m. Clear Lake Bridge Club Lab Class – Tuesday, 2 p.m., 16614 Sea Lark, 77062. For details or classes, contact Dr. Glandorf at drglandorf@ sbcglobal.net or call 281-488-6318. 7 p.m. CALENDAR Let the Leader Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Vigilance Group of NA, open meeting, 7 p.m., 2930 E. Broadway (FM 518), Pearland, First Presbyterian Church-youth bldg. For information, call 713-856-1611. at the Classifi eds WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 7 a.m. AAA Meeting – “Breakfast With Bill” Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1062 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, in South Belt-Ellington Leader Be Your Cornell Conference room. Call 281-487-8787 for details, or drop in. 9:30 a.m. send an email to: Young at Heart Senior Club – Meets the second and fourth week monthly (Nov./Dec. meet second week only) at Covenant United Guide! Methodist Church, 7900 Fuqua. Lots of activities, trips, etc. Call Jan [email protected] Okumura at 832-298-9480 for details. 10 a.m. Clear Lake Bridge Club – Open games Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 19, 2018, South Belt-Ellington Leader, Section B, Page 5

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Volunteers are shown above serving food at the makeshift shelter erected at A team of volunteers is pictured above sorting through toys that were donat- A crew of volunteers is shown above at the Dobie shelter, as they organize dry Dobie High School during Hurricane Harvey. Photo by Marie Flickinger ed to the temporary shelter at Dobie. Photo by Marie Flickinger clothes that were donated to those in need. Photo by Marie Flickinger As chamber banquet approaches, Leader recognizes Harvey heroes Continued from Page 6A save lives and property,” said shelter to volunteer. Because in from the Louisiana Game gineer Operator Russell volved rescuing children feet. Paramedics from HFD prepared, should a similar deputy director of the 147th Barker. “This was a baptism the water on the roads on the Warden. Janacek, the department did from the attic of a home. The Firefi ghters were each re- Station 70 spent much of storm strike in the future. Attack Wing’s Crisis Action by fi re for many folks in my second day had blocked off the An anonymous man in a more shuttling than actual second incident involved sav- quired to work 48-hour shifts, their time providing medical The department now has four Team (CAT) that convenes to unit, and it was inspiring to routes to get to Dobie, Beni- motor home also assisted the rescue work, as the Southeast ing a man who was fl oating doubling their normal man- assistance at the shelter erect- high-water rescue vehicles provide command and con- see how our airmen rose to tez’s mother refused to let her department in transporting Volunteer Fire Department on Beltway 8 near Mykawa power. This marked the fi rst ed at Dobie High School. and 8 to 9 new boats. trol for natural or man-made the challenge. They’ll be that go back to the shelter to volun- evacuees. did. Road. The victim, who was time in the station’s history Following the storm, fi re- Janacek was impressed by crises. We began coordinat- much more prepared for the teer. Stranded residents were “We didn’t have any fast, unable to swim, was fi rst this had taken place. fi ghters used donated food the community’s response to ing support requests with mu- next crisis, and be able to pass Feeling useless at home transported to the George R. fast rising water,” Janacek pulled up by a water hose to The department also had items to make sandwiches Harvey. nicipal authorities, position- their knowledge to younger while others were at the shel- Brown Convention Center said. the top of a train for safety. to extinguish a house fi re and drove through the com- “It was good,” Janacek ing equipment and supplies airmen.” ter, Benitez then told her moth- when the temporary shelter at Of the rescues performed, He then climbed an exten- on Sageheather during the munity to distribute them to said. “It showed what the around the installation, and The colonel was also im- er a white lie that she wouldn’t Dobie High School became however, two specifi c inci- sion ladder to the top of the storm. The home was report- those in need. human spirit is all about – tracking the storm’s progress. pressed with the civilian re- be walking through waters on full. dents stand out to workers. overpass. Janacek estimated edly under 2-3 feet of water Station 70 staff mem- going to help the people you So basically we slept in our sponse to the devastating her way to volunteer. Benitez, According to HFD En- One such instance in- the height to be more than 30 at the time. bers said they are now better know.” offi ces for a week, and as as- storm. however, walked from her sistance began to fl ow from “I was impressed and hum- home in the Clearwood Cross- outside Houston, our job was bled by the resilience and for- ing subdivision to the Beltway to link them up with the re- titude of our greater Houston and caught a ride from one of sources we could provide. We community. I had the privilege the trucks passing by. began fl ying our RC-26B re- of meeting the governor’s air- The truck took Benitez connaissance aircraft to sur- plane when he arrived to visit as far as they could and from vey damage and give civil au- and observe the relief effort’s there, she walked. As a result thorities an idea of how to best progress – I told him Harvey from walking through the wa- prioritize repair efforts. We made a big mistake coming ters for more than an hour to sent our Joint Terminal Attack here. volunteer, Benitez pulled a Controllers out in heavy duty “It was just amazing to muscle in her leg. vehicles to rescue stranded watch our citizens, fi rst re- “I was really worried that citizens. Their wartime mis- sponders and military per- I wasn’t going to be able to sion is coordinating airpow- sonnel overcome this disas- make it home because my er for Army maneuver units. ter and show the nation how mom couldn’t fi nd a path to During the storm, they set up family takes care of family,” come pick me up because the helicopter landing zones near said Barker. “Overall, the ex- water was so high,” Benitez shelters and controlled the ar- perience made me even more said. riving aircraft to ensure safe proud to be a member of the When going back home and effi cient movement in Texas Air National Guard and from a long day of volunteer- and out of congested airspace. more confi dent of our team’s ing, Benitez fi nally told her Our fellow Texas Airmen skill and dedication. We’re mother the truth. She walked from the 136th Airlift Wing ready for anything.” from the school to the Belt- in Dallas fl ew a C-130 in with Reena Benitez way and caught a ride from a personnel and equipment to Dobie student Reena Beni- truck once more before getting help augment our staff here tez walked through waist-high home. at Ellington. By the time we fl oodwaters to volunteer her “I was exhausted and want- resumed normal operations, time to the families in need at ed to go home because it was we’d hosted nearly 3,000 ad- the shelter opened at her high very bad outside,” Benitez ditional state and federal per- school during Hurricane Har- said. “Just the thought of stay- sonnel pitching in to help the vey. ing out there without my fami- citizens of Houston.” A 16-year old senior at the ly made me imagine how those While the evacuees Bark- time, Benitez, a South Belt who lost everything must feel.” er encountered were in dire resident for 12 years, walked Benitez has been a mem- straits, he said they were in 2.2 miles through waist-high ber of Dobie’s JFD TV for relatively good spirits. Of all fl oodwaters from the Clear- two years as an anchor and the stranded individuals, how- wood Crossing subdivision to reporter. She has also been a ever, one made a lasting im- Dobie High School to give her member of the Dobie’s varsity pression on Barker. time to those in need. Chamber Orchestra with seven “ The fi rst evening, I went “I wanted to help people, years’ experience of playing up to USCG Sector headquar- and it was sad knowing my the violin. She shares her tal- ters to visit with some of the house was OK and other peo- ents by volunteering her time evacuees. The Coast Guard ple were at Dobie because their in the Sagemont Church All was fl ying them back to our home was fl ooded,” Benitez Star band playing the violin ramp, then we bussed them said. and banjo. up to their headquarters build- The fi rst night of the storm, After high school, Benitez ing on Ellington to await city Benitez awoke from her sleep plans on joining the Marines buses that would transport worrying about whether or not and then continuing her educa- them to shelter,” said Barker. the big willow tree in front of tion to become a veterinarian “All ages and backgrounds her window would fall down as in hopes of building non-kill were represented, and they all the storm grew stronger. shelters around the world, es- looked as one might expect af- Benitez had gotten up to pecially in her family’s native ter what was probably one of help her roommate, Rafa Ro- land, Guatemala. the worst days of their lives. jas, push his car from the street Houston Fire Department But there was a calmness too up to the driveway. Trucks Workers from Houston as they sat in the Coast Guard passing by made waves to Fire Department Station 70 galley, waiting to go spend the where the water hit the middle worked tirelessly both before fi rst of an untold number of of her front yard. For the rest and after Hurricane Harvey to nights in a strange place. One of the night Benitez helped ensure South Belt residents of them was a Coast Guard of- her mother, Ethel Castillo, 42, remained safe from harm. fi cer assigned there, herself a change towels soaked from As streets and homes be- victim of the storm. When the water seeping through their gan to fl ood during the on- city buses arrived, they loaded leaking backyard door. set of the storm, HFD crews up quietly, and many of them The next day after the storm focused their attention on thanked any uniform they saw. had hit, Benitez’s mother and high-water rescues. They carried small dogs, toys, her mother’s fi ance were able “We all did whatever we whatever they were able to to drive through the high wa- could,” said HFD District grab 12 hours earlier when the ters in their 1999 Ford Expe- Chief Clennis Tyer. water came rushing in. As the dition to get to the temporary Using a dump truck and last bus pulled out, a boy of shelter at Dobie High School three evacuation boats, emer- about 8 years looked at me out to volunteer. gency personnel transported the window, smiled and salut- “I helped carry water cases several affected residents to ed. He held the salute until the off trucks that were being do- higher ground for safety. bus was gone, and I returned nated, fold clothes, moved food Crews initially used the it. He didn’t know me, we’d from the back of the school to Church’s Chicken restaurant barely spoken. But he knew the front as they were being on Hughes Road and Sage- what the uniform stood for: donated and asked people if glen as a staging center, but people who will always help they needed any assistance. I the site soon also became when times are tough. Texans helped all around where help fl ooded. helping Texans. I hope to sign was needed,” Benitez said. Workers then utilized a him up in 10 years or so.” Benitez was inspired to vol- parking lot at the corner of Barker said the challenges unteer, as she knew two of her the Gulf Freeway and Astoria of Harvey served to strength- close friends who had lost all as a staging center, as well en the airmen’s resolve and of their belongings to the storm as the San Jacinto College prepare them for the next cri- were at the shelter. South parking lot. sis. “We’re very blessed. Two A temporary shelter “Our unit was unique be- of my friends lost their houses, was also established at the cause we were a casualty of and one of them got rescued Sagemont Community Cen- the storm but also maintained by the Coast Guard from her ter on Hughes Road near our responsibility to be a re- roof.” Benitez said. Beltway 8. gional power projection plat- The second day of the The department was as- form for Texas – we had to get storm, the fl oodwaters rose sisted in its rescue work by back on our feet quickly and higher, but it didn’t stop Beni- the Cajun Navy, utilizing get in the fi ght to start helping tez from going back to the nine boats that were brought