Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia

Adrian Garcia: Commissioner for the Times

By Rick Clapp

The dynamic and insightful commissioner Adrian Garcia has proved to be a man of the times. The Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner recently organized and coordinated a successful food distribution program to local families in need at the Bay Area Community center.

The Food distribution event was spearheaded by Garcia, and the precinct received financial support from local corporations. Furthermore, Port Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald and multiple volunteers from the International Longshoremen’s Association, Seabrook Rotary, and other local helpers assisted the program. Elizabeth Williams and her staff helped distribute food and prepare the meals for all the hard working volunteers, city officials and guests.

Commissioner Garcia has created other noteworthy programs such as the Seniors and Homebound individuals in need of food and assistance. Each day Harris county volunteers distribute food to those in need. A special thanks goes to Valero and Lyondell Basel for their generous contributions which funded this special food distribution program.

The Read Together program is an early literacy project for children 0-5 years of age. This wonderful book club has 60 books which are mailed to the children enrolled in this program. It was initially started by country western artist Dolly Parton.

Be a Champion is another program by Garcia. It provides groceries once a week to those in need in 5 locations in precinct 2 and precinct 4. All of these essential programs have been funded by generous Houston companies and local individuals. Needless to say, without their financial contributions these programs could and would not exist. “If we do not continue to receive this vital mandatory support from the private sector we will then need government assistance to support these programs that are in so much need”, stated Garcia.

Adrian Garcia’s Precinct 2 has the highest numbers of Covid 19 victims. This is due to a large number of people that are inpoverished areas, have poor access to health facilities, lack of education and poor nutrition. Precinct 2 covers Houston’s Industrial area, petrochemicals and refineries and ship channel Port of Houston. This area is known to have a higher incidence of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses due to the environment.

Finally Commissioner Garcia concluded “ Harris County has done a superb job containing the Corona Virus because of our mayor, county judge, health officials and other Commissioners leadership. Most importantly, as a whole the people of Harris county have abided by the quarantine and other measures provided and supported by health officials.Thank you Commissioner Garcia and all the staff at Precinct 2. Job well done.

New Assistance League President-Elect Charlene Donovan, left, and President Brooks Cima are installed during virtual meeting.

Outgoing President Lisa Holbrook presents the H.O.P.E. Award to CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith.

Assistance League of the Bay Area’s outgoing President Lisa Holbrook passed the gavel to incoming President Brooks Cima as she was installed, along with President-Elect Charlene Donovan at the philanthropic chapter’s virtual annual meeting and installation.

Others who will serve with them are Vice Presidents Elaine Rister, Brunella Altemus, Kathleen Courville, Jill Smitherman and Patty Southmayd; Secretary Valerie Piercy, Treasurer Marie Keener, plus Assisteens Coordinator Connie Hughes, Education Chairman Kathy Tamer, Finance Chairman Sandra Kelver and Strategic Planning Chairman Beverly Braden.

Sarah Foulds is the recipient of this year’s Sue Brady Award — an honor presented for leadership and exceptional service to Assistance League goals while Lisa Holbrook was given the Sue Holstein Award — presented to any member who has continued to support Assistance League over the years and is a positive voice in the organization — a body of work award.

Deb Calascione, Melanie Lovuola, and Kathy Tamer are this year’s recipients of the A.B.C.D. Award, given to members who go above and beyond the call of duty — members who do not know the meaning of the word hours. Dr. Greg Smith, Clear Creek ISD Superintendent of Schools, received the Stuart W. Williams H.O.P.E. Award, recognizing a community member who supports Assistance League and exemplifies hope – Heroes of Positive Endeavors.

Mary Pergande received the Ada Edwards Laughlin Award, given to an individual for longterm service behind the scenes in an inconspicuous way. Lisa Holbrook was the recipient of the Anne Banning Leadership Award, presented to a chapter member who has served in major leadership roles and has demonstrated sustained enthusiasm, guidance, and participation in chapter activities and programs. Both awards are named for the founders of Assistance League and are offered through the national organization.

In later updating the membership on the chapter’s annual accomplishments, it was noted the chapter returned over $386,000 to the community through six philanthropic programs and raised over $500,000 through the award-winning Resale Shop, a successful annual event, Mamma Mia! The Party, and the thriving grants committee.

Dr. Smith embraces the organization as a stalwart partner of the school district and recently offered space for the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs at the newly-renovated Learner Support Center. Additionally, Dr. Smith has served on the organization’s Advisory Council for numerous years and is always willing to meet with members of the leadership team to address concerns and provide input to improve those philanthropic programs serving the students of the district. Only recently he remarked at a meeting, ““Assistance League is shining a light into the dark.”

Assistance League of the Bay Area is an allvolunteer, nonprofit organization that changes lives through philanthropic programs in the Houston Bay Area community. For more information, visit the website, www.assistanceleague.org/bay-area/

Panhellenic cancels its fall fashion show

Because of the coronavirus

pandemic, Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Association has cancelled its annual fashion show and luncheon, originally scheduled for this fall, and asked everyone to save the date of the next fashion show luncheon – Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City. The event benefits the Crawford-Zbanek Scholarship Foundation.

Long a community favorite, the event raises money for college scholarships that are awarded to outstanding women from our area who are pursuing a college education in Texas. Since 1967, Clear Lake Area Panhellenic has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships.

“We want to thank all the people who have generously supported this event in the past,” Judie Ferguson said. “We hope you will join us next year on Friday, Nov. 5 for our fun filled philanthropic event that benefits young women from our area.”

Edward and Kate

Cummings celebrate Kate’s birthday and enjoy the view of the water at the Sundance Grill II in Kemah.

Space Center Rotary Officers

Photo by Wayne Musial

Space Center Rotary installed its 2020-2021 officers at a meeting at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake June 15. They are, from left, President-nominee Stan Galanski, Secretary Delia Stephens, President-elect Walt Huff, President Raymond Moore, Treasurer Melinda Mintz, Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Huggler, and Past President Mike Porterfield.