Around Town April 2011
(L-R) Receiving 2010 Bridge Builder Awards are: Alex Sutton, Patti Rivela and Terry Holloway with John Bracken, MCYS executive director.
MCYS HONORS COMMUNITY AND MCYS LEADERS. Montgomery County Youth Services recognized community and MCYS leaders with the presentation of its 2010 Bridge Builder Awards at the annual meeting held at Conroe Tower.
John Bracken, MCYS executive director, presented awards to Alex Sutton, MCYS Board Bridge Builder; Terry Holloway, MCYS Staff Bridge Builder; and Patti Rivela, MCYS Volunteer Bridge Builder for their outstanding contributions to Montgomery County Youth Services and the community.
“It was my pleasure to present the Bridge Builder Awards to three individuals who have excelled in their service to Montgomery County Youth Services and its mission,” said John Bracken, executive director of MCYS.
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INTERFAITH COMMUNITY CLINIC RECEIVES DONATION FROM MEMORIAL HERMANN COMMUNITY BENEFIT CORPORATION. The South County Community Clinic received a donation of $100,000 from the Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation.
“The Interfaith Community Clinic is important to us,” said Steve Sanders, chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. “We are extremely proud of the success of the clinic, as it acts as a wonderful asset for our community and for those in time of great need.”
Memorial Hermann has had a long-standing relationship with the clinic since the clinic’s inception in 1996. “There are not many clinics like this around to serve the middle class, working poor, and we are proud to support the work they do for our community.”
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Pct. 2 Commissioner Craig Doyal “cuts” the red banner with a Harley motorcycle to officially open the bridge to traffic.
CROWD GATHERS TO OPEN FM 2854 OVERPASS. More than 100 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new FM 2854 overpass, the final piece of a regional mobility project in the works for more than 25 years. Speaking at the ceremony, held on the bridge, were Pct. 2 Commissioner Craig Doyal, local publisher Tony Ber and Conroe Mayor Webb Melder. Also attending were representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady and Texas Rep. Rob Eissler, as well as presidents and members of five area chambers of commerce.
Larry Johnson and Doug Goff with The Johnson Development Corp., developer of the Woodforest master-planned community were also in attendance and were recognized for being instrumental in helping improve mobility in the region. The Johnson Development Corp. contributed to the construction of Fish Creek Thoroughfare and the design of the $4.3 million Lake Creek Bridge, which is part of the roadway.
Following the speeches, Doyal drove a Harley motorcycle through a 15-foot banner to officially open the bridge. He led 25 motorcyclists and several decorated trucks filled with supporters to the Woodforest Welcome Lodge for coffee and refreshments.
The overpass connects Fish Creek Thoroughfare to the existing McCaleb Road, providing direct access to State Highway 105.
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(L-R) Chris Nunes, Township director of Parks and Recreation; Kelly Dietrich, assistant director; and John McGowan, aquatics superintendent; with newly-acquired awards.
THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP AQUATICS DIVISION EARNS NUMEROUS AWARDS. Three professional organizations have recognized The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division with awards for excellence. Aquatics International magazine awarded the Township Aquatics Division with Best Overall Commitment to Aquatics (population between 50,000 and 499,999). Judging criteria was excellence in programming, promotional materials, aquatic amenities and community involvement.
The World Waterpark Association awarded the Township Aquatics Division with the SWIM! Award at their Symposium and Trade Show in San Antonio. The SWIM! Award honors excellence in training, inspiring and maintaining exceptional, motivated employee teams who provide guest services.
In addition, the Texas Recreation and Park Society Region IV honored The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division with two awards: the Maintenance Award for the kayak launch system for staff to place boats safely in the water at the Riva Row Boat House, and second place in the Facility Category with a photography award for the Waterway Koi Pond.
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Joel Kerschenbaum (center) receives a key from Joe Michels (right), mayor of Oak Ridge North, and Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY CLINIC NAMES BUILDING AFTER LONG-TIME SUPPORTER. More than 100 individuals including local officials, area business and corporation representatives, as well as well-wishers and staff gathered for a memorable celebration at the South County Community Clinic. The event featured a dedication ceremony for the Dr. Joel Kerschenbaum building located at 101 Pine Manor Drive in Oak Ridge North.
“For more than 15 years, Kerschenbaum has played an integral role in the development and sustainability of the clinic,’” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic. “Dr. Kerschenbaum has given tirelessly to the clinic and we truly appreciate his ongoing commitment to helping meet the medical needs of this community.”
In addition to naming the building after Kerschenbaum, Oak Ridge North Mayor Joe Michels presented him with a key to the city.
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Richard Read (holding drill), Dick Miller (facing front) and Randy Jones build a wheelchair ramp.
GEEZER SQUAD ASSISTS COUPLE IN CONROE. The Geezer Squad, a group of self-named volunteers who regularly work on Montgomery County United Way Days of Caring projects, reached out to help a disabled couple in Conroe. The couple is retired, living on a fixed income, and managing a long list of current and previous medical issues.
With the couple’s medical issues contributing to financial hardship, they had been unable to modify the home to allow for a wheelchair ramp.
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(L-R) Jean Heasley, Pan American Round Table director, receives a copy of The Conroe Historias from Maria Jordan, Montgomery County United Way’s Hispanic outreach coordinator.
UNITED WAY’S “HISTORIAS” PROJECT CONCLUDES. Maria Jordan, Montgomery County United Way’s Hispanic outreach director, and members of the Hispanic Outreach Professional Enrichment committee collaborated on the “Historias” project with the Conroe Chapter of the Pan American Round Table. Its mission is to“foster mutual understanding, knowledge and friendship among peoples of the western hemisphere.”
For the past year and a half, 10 ladies have been telling their stories to 10 younger women from Conroe High School. The “Historias” project concluded with a backdrop of international flags flying above the grand hall of the San Jacinto Council of Girl Scouts camp in Conroe. Members of the community met to celebrate the finale of the project, the release of the book, Conroe Historias, which will be featured in the Genealogy section at the Central Montgomery County Library.
Gabrielle Vivar, a Conroe High School 2010 graduate, said “We found more similarities than differences,” speaking of the face-to-face meetings each young lady had with the older participants. “We all love, have losses and we don’t judge others who are different. We are all the same.”
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Receiving a dental cleaning is Stephanie Gavidia with Dr. Todd Brady.
CHILDREN RECEIVE FREE DENTAL SERVICES DURING DOCTORS WITH HEART DAY. Approximately 30 local children received dental services free of charge from two dentists who volunteered their time and talents during the Interfaith Community Clinic’s Annual Doctors with a Heart Day.
“This special day was made possible by volunteer dentists, Dr. Todd Brady, Dr. Julie Martinez and their assistants,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic. “Taking a day from their private practice and providing dental care to children pro bono is incredible because it make such a difference for the children.”
All children received a dental exam and cleaning as well as services based on their needs including stainless steel crowns, pulp treatment, fillings and sealants.
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WINSTEAD PC GIVES BACK TO INTERFAITH. Winstead PC donated many hours assisting Interfaith of The Woodlands. For nine months during 2010, Winstead worked with Interfaith’s Board of Directors providing various legal services pro bono.
According to Joe Michels of Winstead PC, “Our commitment to serving the community dates back to the firm’s inception. The firm’s attorneys and staff support local communities by providing pro bono legal assistance to nonprofit organizations, supporting charitable organizations, volunteering time as board members, and assisting with fundraising projects.”
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John Meredith, John Homman, Pat Spackey, Joe Rosser, Fred Mead and Mike Wilson at the Texas Independence Day Festival and Chili Cook-off in Conroe.
LOCAL GROUPS SHARE HISTORY. The Lone Star chapter Sons of the Republic and the Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis chapter, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas volunteered at the Texas Independence Day Festival and Chili Cook-off in Conroe.
The local groups have represented Montgomery County during all of the celebrations commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, including a presentation at the Alamo in San Antonio and ceremonies at Washington on the Brazos honoring the descendants of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
On Thursday, April 21, both groups will be a part of the dedication and unveiling ceremonies for the Lone Star monument and Historical Flag park in Conroe.
The bust of Dr. Charles B. Stewart will be unveiled by Pat Spackey, president of the Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis DRT chapter and the great-, great-, great-granddaughter of Texas Flag designer and patriot Charles B. Stewart.
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FRIENDSHIP CENTER MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Everyday somewhere in Montgomery County, approximately 50 Friendship Center volunteers are serving the needs of the senior population of the county.
The Friendship Center offers a two-hour volunteer training program that provides basic information on aging issues as well as tips on working with seniors in the various volunteer capacities. Trainings are scheduled twice a month, once in Conroe and once in The Woodlands. Volunteers also receive a manual for private study and reference.
For more information, contact Anna Claire Croghan at 936-756-5828, ext. 43 or acroghan@tfc-seniorservices.org.
