Memorial Service for Pearland Mayor

Pearland: Numerous Indo-Americans joined the Pearland community in celebrating the life and times of Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid.

Reid passed away on June 24, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. The funeral service was held Saturday, July 1 at the First Church in Pearland.

Born in Houston in 1923, Reid grew up in a small town in central Texas. After serving the US Navy during World War II, Reid graduated from the University of Texas with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1951. He moved to Pearland, then a sleepy community of 2,500, when he began service with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1965. His 32year career with NASA served as the impetus for him to build Pearland into what the city has become today.

Pearland has the thirdlargest population for cities in the region after Houston and Pasadena.

Mayor Reid’s 44 years dedicated to the City of Pearland enabled him to foster the growth of the small town. “Mayor Reid’s initiatives helped Pearland grow from a small township of about 2,500 to a city with a population of more than 129,000 today,” said Shesh Bala, a community leader with the Meenakshi Temple Society in Pearland. “He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Meenakshi Temple. He attended most of MTS events and remained in the audience for an hour or more.”

During his 44-year career as the mayor of Pearland, Reid achieved notable developments, including expanding Pearland west to its curent border along Almeda Road/FM 521; expanding public safety services to include an exemplary police department, the conversion of an all-volunteer fire department to a full-time, employed fire department, developing city departments as population grew, cultivating city’s parks and trail systems, and bringing large residential developments, and small and large businesses to promote economic growth.

Pearland developed because of Reid’s vision, said current Mayor Kevin Cole. “He was a gentleman’s gentleman,” said Cole. “He was so likable, so personable and cared about people deeply. You could disagree with him and it remained professional. Quite frankly, it’s what politics needs to go back to in our country. It’s a tremendous loss for our city.”

832-766-6662

Ekal Sur Sangam: Uniting Music and Philanthropy for an Equitable India

Houston: Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA’s (EVF-USA)

Houston chapter proudly presented the highly anticipated Fund Raiser event, Ekal Sur Sangam, on June 30th. This captivating musical extravaganza brought together music lovers, philanthropists, and community members in support of EVF-USA’s noble mission of empowering rural and tribal villages in India. The event showcased highly talented singers, musicians and inspiring stories of Ekal village children, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees.

Under the theme of “Uniting Music and Philanthropy for an Equitable India,” Ekal Sur Sangam Houston 2023 was an exceptional evening filled with enchanting melodies, vibrant performances, and a sense of collective purpose. The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation’s initiatives in India, focusing on child education, women empowerment, digital literacy, health education, skills development and nutritional farming.

The venue, Stafford Center, was filled with an enthusiastic audience that comprised Ekal donors, well-wishers, and patrons. Attendees were treated to a sumptuous full-course Indian fast-food delicacies catered by Bhojan, el- evating the overall ambiance of the evening.

The musical rendering featured renowned singers from India, Vishwanath Batunge and Nayana Sarma. They mesmerized the audience with their captivating voices and soulful renditions.

The highly interactive presentation captivated the hearts of everyone present. The lead male singer Vishwanath walked to the audience, drawing them to sing and move with him. The spirited Emcee, Sahitya Vinjamuri from St.Louis, brought a lot of energy on and off the stage with spontaneous dancing, and the electrified audience obliged by joining her.

The singing duo was brilliantly supported by the talented live musicians creating an unforgettable musical experience.

During the evening, short clips showcasing Ekal’s impactful activities in India were shared. They effectively illustrated the trans- formational work accomplished in the areas of education, women’s empowerment, and skills development. A short video presenting Ekal initiated and inspired transformations in a Kashmir village was well received and appreciated by the audience. Ekal volunteers, including chapter president Rajeev Aluru and Southwest Regional President Yogi Patel, shared inspiring messages and stories, emphasizing the importance of holistic village development and the three pillars of Ekal’s mission: primary education, health delivery, and skills development.

Distinguished guests, including Ken Matthews (Mayor of Stafford), Ramesh Shah (CEOEkal Abhiyan), Surendran Pattel (Judge, 240th district court), Janet Heppard (Judge, 387th district court-family law), graced the event with their presence. Their donation during the event inspired others to raise their donations, endorsing the significance of Ekal’s work in the community.

Ekal Houston chapter extends heartfelt gratitude to the event’s chief guest, distinguished guests, volunteers, youth participants, and past and present chapter leadership for their invaluable contributions in organizing this remarkable event.

As Ekal Sur Sangam Houston 2023 came to a close, attendees were reminded of the power of their donations and the profound impact they can have on the lives of thousands of children and communities in need. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation continues its unwavering commitment to providing education, empowerment, and sustainable development to underprivileged areas, fostering a brighter future for all.

To support Ekal’s mission and make a meaningful contribution, please visit http://www.ekal.org/

Hands-on Care Needed for Male Patient In Sugar Land, TX

Need hands-on caregiver for male patient. Medical and/or caregiving experience with managing & administering medication is required. Experience with trach care/feeding tubes/letterboards is a plus.

WILL TRAIN THE RIGHT PERSON. MUST BE ENGLISH SPEAKING. Dayshift must be comfortable helping with bathing. Preference for a caregiver who is CPR / first-aid trained.

DAYS 8:30AM - 8:30PM (MALE ONLY)

NIGHTS 8:30PM - 8:30AM (MALE/FEMALE)

Compensation based on experience & skill set. $15 to 20+ per hour.

Contact Al Alamia, 281-782-0116 or royaldentalal@aol.com