Profiles of progress sections 1 3

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

AISD still growing along Three new facilities open

By David Money Staff Writer AISD now has almost 25,000 students registered in its schools that range throughout the extensive territory it covers.

With the ever growing number of students, comes the need to expand and build facilities for the district.

The year the district added three new schools: Pomona Elementary, Shirley Brothers Elementary and the JB Hensler College and Career Academy.

More than 500 people attended the dedication of Pomona in September. The school is in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Manvel. The building has 96,796 square feet of space, sits on a little more than 12 acres and was built to accommodate 800 students.

The campus, in addition to classrooms, features science labs, a cafeteria with a stage, a library, kitchen, a music room, administrative offices, a clinic and a gym.

The principal is Renea Rives.

Pomona has students from prekindergarten to fifth grade.

“Opening this school has been such a joy,” Rives said in a news release. “Our mascot is the Pirates so we have had fun with this theme. We are an oasis of learning and all of our students and staff are on board. It really has been a wonderful transition and opening of this beautiful new school.”

Shirley Dill Brothers Elementary School also opened this school year. Shirley Brothers is a retired district educator and administrator.

“A little over a year ago at the

JB Hensler College and Career Academy opened last month in Manvel. ground breaking for the school, I said I couldn’t wait for the sights and sounds of kiddos and staff members laughing and learning together and that is exactly what is happening today and will continue throughout this school year and many more to come,” Brothers said of the dedication.

“I am so humbled and incredibly honored to have this beautiful new school with my name on it, which is located in the best school district in the state!”

Brothers is a graduate of Sam Houston State University. She began her career in 1971 as a special education teacher in Alvin ISD. After 14 years of teaching, she became the district’s first coordinator of public relations. She was later named director of public information, a position she held for 26 years.

During her tenure she worked with eight different superintendents, multiple board members, and an array of administrators,

teachers and staff, according to a news release.

The new campus is located in the Shadow Creek Ranch subdivision in Pearland. Krystal Hawks is the principal of the new school.

“I’m so excited to be a part of Alvin’s history. Shirley Brothers helped shape Alvin ISD to what it is today. I’m honored to be able to say I’m leading an amazing team here at Brothers Elementary,” Hawks said.

(Staff photo by David Money) “Shirley Brothers was and remains an Alvin ISD staple. It is only fitting to name and dedicate this elementary to her. I could not be happier to be a part of such an incredible ceremony,” Alvin ISD Superintendent Buck Gilcrease said at the dedication last month.

JB Hensler College and Career Academy also opened.

The huge new facility on Lewis Lane in Manvel is named See AISD, page 4

ALVIN PROUD/ALVIN STRONG CAR SHOPPING MADE EASY WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

3205 FM 528, ALVIN, TX • RONCARTER.COM • 281-331-8111

2

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017

See You In March 2018!

1113 S. Johnson • Alvin (Right across from Alvin High School)

Southern Comfort Food

More than 200 people attended the “Riders on the Orphan Train” program that members of the Alvin Museum Society and the Alvin Library League put on in August of this year in the Alvin Senior Center.

(Staff photo by David Money)

History comes alive at museum shows Alvin Historical Society has banner year

“We also have Gifts, Jewelry, Unique Crosses, Hats, Accessories & Christmas Wreaths.”

By David Money Staff Writer 2017 has been a banner year for the Alvin Historical Museum.

Keeping an Eye on Your Vision

The year started off with a great gust of area residents’ approval when the Alvin Museum Society, which operates the Alvin attraction, presented three programs on Alvin’s history.

One of them dealt with the Great Storm of 1900 and was a crowd favorite.

During the presentation, more than 100 people in the audience learned that 337 homes in Alvin were damaged or destroyed as the storm moved in on the town.

Most of Alvin’s businesses were wrecked, 12 people were killed in the storm and a barge from Galveston washed up on a pasture near town.

One of the stories Richard Klapper, of the society, told concerned Henry Clement, of Liverpool, who kept a diary from 1894 until 1964 when he died.

Clement was in Galveston the day the storm hit. Here is what he wrote about the massive hur-

Thank You For Choosing

as your “Best Auto Repair Shop” (State Recognized Emission Repair Facility)

Schedule yours today!

Your vision is important to us and we therefore are committed to excellence in eye care. Coastal Eye Associates is a place where boardcertified ophthalmologists, along with a team of optometrists, and ophthalmic technicians, provide a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services. We offer services from simple eye exams to complicated state of the art surgical procedures.

2017

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

AC, Suspension, Computer Diagnostics and Complete Auto Repair

ASE MASTER TECHS

2301 S. Gordon / Alvin, TX 77511 / 281-331-5781

ricane: “I have seen the heavyest storm that ever struck here.

Blowed here most all the boats onto the wharf.”

Back in Alvin, debris was all around, Klapper said.

“People took wagons out to gather the wood. They used the wood to build homes. The Rogers House Museum was built from hurricane debris,” he said.

The second program in the series dealt with the fire of 1902, which was news to a lot of those in the audience.

Alvin’s downtown was thriving that year with two livery stables, banks, a photography studio, a bicycle repair shop, an opry house and a hardware store, among others.

But they were almost made of all wood and close together.

“They were just waiting for a fire to happen,” said Klapper said.

It did happen around 3 a.m., Aug. 6. The fire burned for three hours, leaving the once lively businesses burnt pieces of collapsed wood.

There wasn’t much the townspeople could do as there was no fire department at the time and civil fire-fighting methods were primitive.

“The fire had to just burn itSee Year, page 6

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

3

Park Your Appetite At the Garage Bar & Grill Weekly Specials

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MEATLOAF MONDAY (Lunch: 10 ct Fried Shrimp Basket Special)

WING WEDNESDAY (Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak with Fries and Green Beans Special)

TACO TUESDAYS (Lunch: Cheese Burger and Fries Special)

THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT (Lunch: 855 NY Strip Steak Special)

FISH FRIDAY (Ask for “Lunch Special of the Day”)

Hours:

Melba “Toast” Cortez General Mgr. Come by & Say “Hi!”

A mural is painted on a traffic light box in downtown Alvin, which is one aspect that members of the Downtown Alvin Revitalization Team hope will enhance the look of this area.

(Staff photo by Albert Villegas)

DART targets downtown

By Albert Villegas Staff Reporter The name may have changed but the goal is still the same for a group of Alvin businessmen and other citizens that have their minds set on enhancing downtown Alvin.

The Downtown Alvin Revitalization Team (DART) started with the name Downtown Planning Task Force in late 2015. The task force didn’t need to be filled through appointments from the Alvin City Council, but rather recommendations.

It was Sereniah Breland (city manager) and Larry Buehler (economic development director), among others, who asked people to be on the task force.

“Actually, it was a collaboration of people that were asked about this – the mayor, some members of the city council, also,” said Buehler, who served as the task force’s project manager. “The people we looked at were downtown landowners, downtown business owners and local business people that have a vested interest in the quality of downtown and in the community as a whole.”

The plan all along has been to develop a vision for the revitalization of downtown. This task force is a direct result of the Comprehensive Plan that was passed by councilmen in 2014. Since elected officials began discussing this issue with city staff openly during

a Nov. 19 council meeting, one of the biggest additions to downtown has been of a second restaurant.

At the time that DART did have its first meeting in January 2016, there had already been one restaurant in place – Gordon Street Tavern, which has been in downtown Alvin since July 2013. Owner Henry Dillman was one of 13 people who was on hand to listen and provide input during the first task force meeting.

Within a year, the Caboose BBQ opened in the same block.

These two restaurants are successful in their own right and are two blocks from Alvin City Hall.

Unfortunately, there are still several vacant spaces with leasing still available like it was when DART was formed.

Another person who has had a lot invested in downtown Alvin is Joe Schneider. At the time the task force was organized, he had already invested around $1 million in downtown.

The city said DART would continue to seek ways to bring in more business.

Dixie Roberts, the city’s spokeswoman, said this organization would not only benefit business but citizens, too.

Equally as important are the aesthetics of downtown Alvin.

DART officials have said they are also committed to enhancing the look of this area to attract citizens and hopefully bring more business to

the area.

“The D.A.R.T. group is working on many projects that enhance our downtown area,” Roberts said. “The citizens and businesses of Alvin benefit by having more events and ‘walkability’ in the downtown area with new streetlights, sidewalks, parking and crosswalks.”

In 2017, the city announced that DART was comprised of more than 20 people.

They said it’s important for people to know that DART wants to link the area from National Oak Park, past the Alvin Historical Museum to Stanton’s Retail Center.

Sidewalk improvements have or are planned on Willis Street from Hood to 2nd streets. The portion of the sidewalk between Hood and Taylor streets now has brick pavers.

The “walkability plan” that DART came up with also included LED lights. Along Willis Street, there are five new decorative streetlights similar to those found at the Alvin Historical Depot. The installation of these lights are between Gordon and Hood streets.

The LED lights feature up to 16 million different color combinations and will welcome visitors to a distinguished downtown Alvin.

Buehler said the city was able to allocate $25,000 for the first year of the grant program to aid in the various projects.

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Catering Available 1755 North Bypass 35 • Alvin, TX 77511 281-824-4000 www.garagebarandgrillalvin.com

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! Coming 2018

November Line Up

11/17 11/18 11/24 11/25 11/26

Rat Ranch Legendary Rhythm Bandits Thanksgiving Level One Blue Knights Toys for Tots Drive

December Line Up

12/1 12/2 12/8 12/9

12/15 12/16 12/22 12/23 12/29 12/30

David Joel Rat Ranch Chris Boise Junior Gordon (collecting toys for Christmas) Al White Storybook Road Allen Henderson & Texas Ice House Band MOJO Faction Band Troy McManus Level One

Vince King ( Impersonator) celebrating Elvis Presley Birthday January 4 Wade Hayes and Holly Tucker (Best Female Vocalist in Texas) January 12 Jake Worthington February 23

Please check our Facebook for updates & more artist to come.

12/31 New Year’s Party RAT RANCH TICKETS 50.00 RESERVED SEATING! Includes appetizer & champagne Toast

Joe’s For the Holidays 1400 E. Hwy. 6 Alvin

281-331-9626 Try Our NEW Delicious Blueberry Bread Pudding Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib

joesbarbequecompany.com

Thanksgiving Feast List Joe’s Holiday Value Packs ORDER 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE

Value Pack 1: serves 4-6 people - $46.95 Value Pack 2: serves 6-8 people - $63.95 Value Pack 3: serves 8-10 people - $76.95 Value Pack 4: serves 10-12 people - $89.95 Value Pack 5: serves 14-17 people - $124.95 Value Pack 6: serves 17-20 people - $143.95 All packs include Turkey & Ham with Cornbread Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Gravy, Yeast Rolls and Cranberry Sauce, Additional Rolls 25¢ each ~ NO SUBSTITUTIONS ~

JOE’S BREAKFAST BUFFET

Joe’s Banquet Center - 1300 East Hwy. 6 Alvin, Texas • (281)756-0985 Open Sun. 6 am to 12 pm • Mon. 6-10 am Fri. 6-10 am and Sat. 6-11 am

All You Can Eat - Hot Breakfast Bar

Scrambled eggs, chorizo, refried bean, bacon, sausage, jalapeño sausage, pork chops, breakfast potatoes, grits, danish, biscuits & gravy Fruit Bar -- Freshly cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, apples and bananas Specialty Order Barr -- Fresh, made to order omelet’s, pancakes, waffles, and fried eggs of choice

9 lb. Avg. Serves: Approx. 20+ ($17.95 lb.)

4-5 lb. Serves: Approx. 10-12 ($17.95 lb.)

Whole Smoked Turkey - $49.95 Ready to Eat - Avg. 22 lbs. raw weight

Whole Boneless Turkey Breast - $39.95 Ready to Eat - Average 3-4 lbs. cooked weight

Joe’s Whole Old Fashioned Carving Ham - $49.95

Ready to Eat Average 4-5 lbs. cooked weight Side orders available for $19.95/gallon

Joe’s Banquet Center & Restaurant

Open Thanksgiving Day 10:30 am to 3 pm

All You Can Eat Holiday Buffet - $13.95 As Well as All of Your Favorites @ Restaurant Roasted Turkey, Smoked Ham & Prime Rib Turkey Gravy, Cornbread Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Roasted Corn & Peppers, Italian Vegetables, Yeast Rolls, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce Buttermilk Pecan & Apple Cobbler

Kids age 6 and under - $6.95

4

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017

Students at Pomona Elementary get ready to have a class picture taken. Pomona opened at the start of the 2017-18 school year.

(Staff photo by Albert Villegas)

Retired AISD teacher and administrator Shirley Brothers with two of her seven grandchildren at the dedication of the school named for her last month. The boy standing next to her is Nathan Bryant and sitting to the left is his brother Nicholas, 14. (Contributed photo)

AISD

Continued from page 1 for a former school board member who served for 33 years. At the academy, students can take courses in veterinary technology, health and information technology. Others can study cosmetology, culinary arts or criminal justice. Still other career paths to follow at the academy are construction management; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; welding; and auto shop.

All three of the new facilities

were funded by a bond that was passed in 2015.

The storm

The entire staff of the district was recently honored for its efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey that hit the area Aug. 25.

“At our board meeting on Tuesday evening (Oct. 10), our board extended a commendation to each and every Alvin ISD

Italian Cuisine composed with French & Sicilian styles of cooking & flavor • Italian Classics Specialties and Pizza Pies

Executive Express Lunch - $8.99

281-585-2825

832-569-5314

Corner of 528 & 518 • 129 W. Parkwood Friendswood Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm • Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm

team member for your collective service to our students and community during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Your efforts and contributions were immense and often times unknown as they were done quietly and with a servant’s heart. I could not be more proud of Alvin ISD and I’m thankful for our board’s recognition of your service to our students, families and community,” wrote Gilcrease in an email he sent to staffers.

Those services included organizing drives for clothes, cleaning supplies, serving and distributing meals, assisting with mucking out damaged homes and calling students to check on how they were doing, a news release said.

Community-minded men honored

On Sept. 22 during halftime of the football game between Alvin and Clements high schools, the new press box at remodeled Memorial Stadium was officially dedicated to Roy Lee Powell.

One of the floors in the press box was also dedicated to Bill Lewis, who is the Communications/Radio and Television Broadcasting Department chairman at Alvin Community College.

“This small town has a great big place in my heart,” Powell said earlier during a reception.

Lewis was equally moved.

“Thanks for this honor. I am overwhelmed by this,” Lewis said at the reception.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

Shadow Creek girls first to postseason

Serving Our Customers For 49 Years

Parks Restaurant ~ ALL YOU CAN EAT ~

Breakfast Buffet: 7 AM - 10:30 AM - Sat. & Sun. Lunch Buffet: 10:30 AM - 3 PM - Sun. Lunch & Dinner Buffet: 10:30 AM - 9 PM Mon.-Sat. ...and Don’t Forget ...we also have Senior Discounts on Mon. - Thurs. - 4 pm-close

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor The first year of athletics at Shadow Creek High School featured the Lady Sharks clinching a playoff berth in volleyball, while a track and field individual brought home a state gold medal from Austin.

While the Shadow Creek volleyball girls got off to a rough start during non-district play, the Lady Sharks regrouped during 23-5A play and proceeded to compile an impressive 12-4 record to earn the third-place playoff seed under head coach Whitney Hilton.

Big victories for the Lady Sharks during district play included back-to-back five set triumphs against Galveston Ball and Texas City.

Competing in their first playoff match, Shadow Creek got a double-double performance from junior setter Caitlyn Pasco with 11 aces and 20 assists to upend Houston Madison by 25-15, 25-18 and 25-8 bidistrict scores Nov. 1 at Butler Field House.

Creek trailed the Lady Marlins 10-7 in the opening set, before Pasco unleashed three aces to spark a 9-0 Lady Sharks’ run. Freshman middle blocker Lauren Davis also stuffed a pair of shots at the net during Pasco’s service and freshman outside hitter Amber Johnson smacked two kills, as well.

“Caitlyn is our rock and one of our team leaders,” Creek head coach Whitney Hilton said following the match. “We can always count on her to get people (on the team) focused on the same goal.

“We were definitely shaky in the beginning and had a few nerves, but once the girls

5

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

Open Thanksgiving Day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Serving all your traditional favorites!

Taking orders for Fried or Baked Turkeys!

WE CATER!

2422 S. Gordon, Alvin/281-585-5046 CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Brazos Primary And Urgent Care

Keeping You and Your Family Healthy

ALL MAJOR Insurance Accepted

Monday-Friday 9:30-6:00 p.m.

Family Medicine & Urgent Care Occupational Medicine Internal Medicine

Brazos Primary And Urgent Care

The Shadow Creek volleyball team became the first athletic program at the new Alvin ISD high school to advance to postseason competition during the 2016-2017 school year.

(Photo by Debbie Wilson) started believing, they turned it on.”

Following Pasco’s serve, the Lady Sharks held a 17-10 advantage and ultimately pulled away on kills by Davis, Pasco and freshman outside hitter

Halle Sanders. Creek dominated the rest of the match to collect the straight-set sweep.

The Lady Sharks went on to drop their next match in the area round to Barbers Hill, but See Girls, page 6

Discount pricing for cash pay patients

15030 Highway 6 Rosharon, TX 77583 281-972-9202 Brazosmedicalgroup.com

Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointments Necessary

When You Think

Propane Gas

PROPANE THINK

Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend 94 Years in Business (1922 - 2016) Birdlife M ON .-S AT . 8 A . M .25TOlb6 P . M . • SUN. 10 A . M . TO 5 P . M .

Corner of Willis & Taylor Streets

$ 8.99 281-331-4491

Kerosene

8.95 Horse Mule 10% $9.95 Ful-O-Pep 12-8 $9.50 Super Beef Developer $10.50 $

Creep 14%

50 Lb. BAG DEER CORN

Brian Wilmer and Debra Davison are two of the three new members that were elected to the Manvel City Council in May. Jason Albert is the third member. Davison is the mayor while Wilmer and Albert are councilmen.

(Staff photo by David Money)

Manvel building continues to rise

We Buy Ugly Houses

See Manvel, page 8

6.50

Bulk Fertilizer Fertilizer and Rye Grass Mixing Available

By David Money Staff Writer Manvel is a city with a rising population.

The Texas Water Development Board has said the Manvel 2015 population was 7,950 people and projects the 2020 population will be 11,619.

The 2010 Census provides the most recent count of the Manvel population as 5,179 people.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 Population Estimates Program, the latest available, said that the

$

At Your Local Stanton’s Feed & Seed

Nitro Phos 8-12-16 Fall Special Fertilizer

19.95

$

Barricade Preemergence Herbicide $

14.99

Eagle Turf Fungicide $

19.99

as is, where is, no repairs needed Cash Offer Within 24 hrs

281-331-7426

rgambuyshouses.com

95 Years in Business (1922 - 2017) M O N .-S AT . 8

A.M. TO

6

P.M.

•

SUN. 10

A.M. TO

C o r n e r o f W i l l i s & Ta y l o r S t r e e t s

5

P.M.

281-331-4491

6

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017

Girls Continued from page 5 Hilton’s squad used their initial playoff experience to get off to a 14-4 start in 2017.

Junior Hailey Pollard, a transfer from Houston Lamar, got off to her own hot start during the spring and ultimately captured her second straight state championship in the discuss.

Pollard claimed the Region III-5A discus title with a fling of 144 feet and 1 inch April 28 in Missouri City to earn the state’s top seed in that event, while heaving the shot put 40 feet and 6 inches to claim runner-up honors.

The latter feat was a personal best for the Lady Sharks’ junior, while Pollard threw a PR 151 feet and 6 inches in the discus in March at the Texas Relays.

Pollard then made history on May 13 by winning the Class 5A girls’ discus toss Friday

with a fling of 146 feet. The Lady Sharks’ junior also barely missed medaling in the shot put on May 12 with a fourth place toss of 40 feet and 6 inches.

“Having Hailey as the first athlete ever to represent SCHS track is really cool,” said Lady Sharks’ head coach Rachel Easley prior to the meet “It is a testament to what this season has been as a whole.”

Playing an independent schedule both in 2016 and this season, Shadow Creek football will join the rest of the Sharks’ athletic programs as a regular UIL sport next fall.

Depending on the enrollment numbers turned into the UIL in December, the Sharks will either be classified as a Class 5A or 6A school, when the UIL realignment comes out in February.

This is a photo of some of the riders on the orphan trains that left New York for points west. The trains transported the homeless and orphan children of the East to find new homes in the West.

(Contributed photo)

Year

Continued from page 2

“...and Let’s Toast to New Beginnings!”

self out,” Klapper said.

An investigation traced the fire’s start to the second floor of Kimmins Hardware Store, but no cause for the start of the fire was given in records from back then.

While the fire did claim most of the buildings downtown, it didn’t kill humans or animals in any of the downtown stables, records show.

The third in the series dealt with the history of Alvin’s historic train depot.

But the society struck gold with its presentation of Riders on the Orphan Train, which was about orphans and homeless children that were placed

on trains leaving New York and heading west. Two groups were rounding up the children in the hopes that they could find families to join out west.

“We at the Alvin Historical Museum look back at 2017 and are proud of its accomplishments. There were new records set for membership enrollment, volunteer hours and museum visitors. The two temporary exhibits, Model Trains and Ride’em Cowboy, drew many new visitors to our museum, as did the historical presentations, which included programs showing Alvin during the 1900 hurricane and the 1902 fire. The Riders on the Orphan Train pro-

gram was hugely successful, bringing in many more attendees than we had anticipated. It was so well-received that many people requested an encore presentation,” said Barbara Passmore, president of the society.

“The Alvin Museum Society is looking forward with excitement to 2018 and the upcoming construction of new exhibit areas, made possible by funding from the Alvin City Council.

We can also look back at 2017 and be proud of our accomplishments. A new permanent exhibit on Manvel and Iowa Colony was generated and an existing exhibit on Alvin Schools was revamped. A new

permanent exhibit on Liverpool and Amsterdam is in progress, as well as a revamp of our War Exhibit. We have also had the pleasure of doing additional research into the history of the Alvin area, cataloguing new accessions as they came in and helping people with their family research inquiries,” said Tom Stansel, who is the chief operating officer of the society.

“So as we move into the new year, hoping that it will equal or surpass this past one, we at the Alvin Historical Museum once again express our thanks to the community for its support in making 2017 so successful,” Passmore added.

We Are Alvin-Manvel Proud!

Celebrating 23 Years

Angel Tree of Remembrance Service

December 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Come place an angel ornament on our tree in celebration of the life of your loved one.

300 Oak Park Dr. • Alvin 281-331-8217

911 S. Gordon • Alvin, Texas

281-331-3172 Terry & Jody Droege

frobergfuneralhomeatoakpark.com

Complimentary angel ornaments will be provided or you may bring your own.

7

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

Overwhelmed by your MEDICARE OPTIONS!

Construction on the new Roy Lee Powell press box, at right, was completed in August, replacing the former structure (left), which had served as the press box at AISD Memorial Stadium since 1967.

(Right, Staff photo by Stephen Collins and left: contributed)

Out with the old, in with the new

Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. I can help you find the Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget.

FREE CONSULTATION. Call today for personalized service!

936-499-8763

Football season opened with renovated press box

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor After being approved by the AISD School Board last March, the new Memorial Stadium press box also received a pair of famous Alvin names to accompany the state-of-the-art structure.

The press box was named the Roy Lee Powell Press Box, while the third floor media room was named for longtime KACC high school football commentator Bill Lewis.

A 1943 Alvin High School graduate, Powell was a member of the Yellowjackets’ first band and went to the World’s Fair in New York with the band. At age 92, Powell still attends every Alvin home football game, “singing along with the alma mater and fight song.”

The recommendation also lauded the World War II Navy veteran, who sports his letter jacket on a daily basis, for being the “definition of Jacket Pride Never Dies.”

“Mr. Powell is one of the most integrity based people I’ve ever met," AISD athletic director Mike Bass said. “He has been a season ticket holder for over 50 years and rain or shine, he’s always been there to support the student-athletes, the cheerleaders, the dance team and especially the band.”

As KACC’s broadcast voice for AISD football since 1982, Lewis also serves as the department chair of communications at Alvin Community College, director of KACC radio/TV and ACC’s athletic director.

“I don’t how this happened or how it came about,” Lewis said.

“I’m absolutely blown away.

Coach Bass asked me during spring break to come by (the administration building during the meeting) and just told me what was being considered when I got there.

“You just don’t think about things like these when you’re in the middle of doing it. I was completely floored by the honor.”

“Bill Lewis has experienced every victory and every loss for Alvin and Manvel high schools over the last 34 years,” Bass said. “During my tenure as head

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

football coach, Bill not only called the games, his video editing of games was used in the recruitment of student-athletes (for college).”

The Powell press box’s first floor has a 460-square foot general assembly commons area for dignitaries to view every game.

Drinks and food are provided in the 212-square foot hospitality area, while the floor also houses the stadium’s seven-seat video control room, a five-seat room for the stadium announcer and a three-seat room for the timekeeper. The floor also comes with two restrooms and an elevator.

Second floor features for the press box include a 10-seat media room, a five-seat radio media room, five-seat rooms for the home and visiting coaching staffs, a 300-square foot area for film crews and two restrooms and an elevator.

The second phase of the stadium’s renovation takes place in November after the football season comes to a close. That project includes additional parking construction near the softball stadium and along Johnson Street with enhanced lighting along the parkway. The visitor’s side will also be renovated.

The old Memorial Stadium

press box wasn’t handicap accessible and also required climbing a build-in military steel step ladder to get from the first to second level.

AISD also decided on names for both the new stadium at Iowa Colony Boulevard and County Road 65 in the Meridiana development and the structures attached to it.

The stadium received the name of “Freedom Field,” while the athletic complex (which includes a field, athletic offices and locker rooms) was named Alvin ISD Heritage Complex.

The 500-seat alumni center’s new name of Liberty Alumni Hall was also approved and the field house took on the new name of Legacy House.

Trustee and committee member Julie Pickren added that the discussions for naming the facility centered on a few ideas.

“First, the name of Memorial Stadium, located at Alvin High School, came from honoring military veterans, so that provided some direction,” Pickren said. “We wanted continuity between the facilities. Second, we wanted names that are inclusive for everyone in our school district.

“The names Liberty Hall, Freedom Field and Legacy

House honors the people who so bravely fought and sacrificed for the greatness of America and Texas. I am confident these

names will be an inspiration to our students to achieve greatness and continue building the legacy of Alvin ISD.”

Weight Loss Program!

FAMILY PRACTICE CLINIC OF ALVIN 711 W. Sidnor Alvin, TX 77511 Call 281-331-5953

To Schedule An Appointment Saturday Appointments Available.

Mary Ann Stanko Licensed Insurance Agent

mstanko@healthmarkets.com

112 S. Gordon, Ste. D Alvin, TX 77511

This is an advertisement. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is the d/b/a, or assumed name, of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. which is licensed as a insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state.

HMIA000554

13th Annual

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. • Registration cutoff - noon • Trophies awarded at 3:00 p.m.

Alvin’s Only Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home

Kevin & Cory Scott Owners Blake Williams Funeral Assistant

Rick Garrison Funeral Assistant

• Experienced • Caring • Family Oriented • Cremation

• Full Service • Pre-Arrangements • Insurance • Monuments

1421 E. Hwy. 6 • Alvin, TX 77511

281-585-1000 www.scottfuneralhome.net

National Oak Park

Saturday, November 11, 2017 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tribute to Veterans 11 a.m.

• Food Court • Kid’s games • Entertainment • Car and Bike Show • Local Entertainers • Arts, Crafts and Collectibles B Business Expo i E • Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment display

For more info., call (281) 331-3177 or email rnkubeczka@aol.com

www.alvinrotary.com ANTIQUE, CLASSIC + COLLECTOR CARS + BIKES, HOT RODS, STREET RODS

8

PROFILES: Community/Economic Development/Education

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017

Alvin Parks and Rec earns distinctions

By David Money Staff Writer

INTERIOR REMODELING FOR HOMES AND OFFICES Custom Made Laminate Countertops Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry

FREE ESTIMATES CALL TODAY!

281-245-6243

www.bunkyandsonconstruction.com

Member of the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

Dan Kelinske, Alvin’s parks and recreation director, checks out one of the signs at the Nature Observation Area at National Oak Park recently.

(Staff photo by David Money)

Alvin’s Parks and Recreation Department received two honors this year with one coming from the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the other from the non-profit organization KaBoom!.

“Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) subcommittee selects and honors projects that expand parks and natural areas for improved quality of life, habitat and water quality.

Winning projects, which exhibit efficiency, effectiveness and innovation, serve as models to be replicated throughout the region,” said Dan Kelinski, the director of the department. “It was an honor for the city of Alvin to be recognized by H-GAC as a honorable mention in 2016 for projects under $500,000 in the park planning category for our project “Nature Observation Area at National Oak Park.”

The area that opened in January of this year weathered the storm, Kelinske said.

“I believe this project, the Nature Observation Area at National Oak Park, is a wonderful example of cooperation between the city of Alvin and Brazoria County to deliver a quality park amenity to the members of our community,” Kelinske said.

The Nature Observation Area features an observation deck overlooking Mustang Bayou, butterfly garden, hexagonal pavilion, educational signs, a parking lot and sidewalks, he added.

In the spring, there should be plenty of color and butterflies in that corner of the park. Many kinds of flowering plants make up the butterfly garden. There are Knockout roses, Confetti Lantana and Mexican Butterfly Milkweed.

The money to fund the addition to the park came from Coastal Impact Assistance Program which was awarded to Brazoria County and was administered through the United States Department of Interior – Fish and Wildlife Services, Kelinske said.

“Commissioner Stacy Adams asked that some of that funding go to the Alvin project,” Kelinske noted. “The Alvin City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Brazoria County Commissioners Court, and directed staff to develop and deliver this completed project to the Alvin Community members. Construction was completed Dec. 3, 2016.”

A member of the H-GAC staff said that judges looked for the best practices in park planning and implementation to determine the winner and two honorable mentions out of all the parks in the council’s 13-county area.

“We honor projects that can serve as models for other parks across our region,” said Andrea Tantillo, the senior communications specialist for the council.

Playful City USA designation from KaBoom! means that the city is doing its best to give residents a play to enjoy the outdoors.

“Playful City USA is a recognition program from the nonprofit organization KaBoom! which honors cities and towns that ensure kids in their communities, particularly kids from low-income families, get the balanced and active play they need to thrive,” Kelinske said.

“Being designated as a Playful City means that the city of Alvin does a great job of investing in programs and infrastructure to keep kids active, playing and healthy.”

Manvel Continued from page 5 population estimate for Manvel at that time was 8,939 people.

It is true the population is growing because of all the housing starts since the current fiscal year began last October.

“The city of Manvel continues to be the City on the Rise in the greater Houston area. Quality residential and commercial developments are coming to our community and they are being designed according to our comprehensive development plans.

Those plans include the city’s major thoroughfare plan, master drainage plan, master water and wastewater plans,” said Mayor Debra Davison, who was elected to her first term in May of this year.

“Since Oct. 1, 2016, more than 525 new home permits have been issued by the city of Manvel with an estimated value of more than $125,000,000 and commercial permits issued by the city total more than $3,600,000,” she said.

A lot of the building is going on in the subdivisions in the city

and in its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Also the school district is continuing to add to the Manvel landscape.

“AISD’s new career and technical education center has recently opened and is providing a wide variety of technical and vocational programs for area high school students to prepare them for future employment with local industries,” she said.

The city and many of its residents did take a hit from the August storm that caused widespread flooding in the AlvinManvel area. City Hall flooded so city employees who had offices there had to work out of a large room in the EMS building while City Hall was being repaired.

“The City Council and staff continue to work with our local and regional partners to respond to the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and plan for emergency situations that may impact our community in the future,” Davison said.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

EMS took charge during TS Harvey

By Albert Villegas Staff Reporter For the first time in Ron Schmitz’s career as the city of Alvin’s emergency management coordinator, he was literally the man in charge during Tropical Storm Harvey, overseeing all operations in the city during the emergency declaration.

Typically he answers to other city staff members like City Manager Sereniah Breland, elected officials and, to some extent the police department, but during Harvey, his word was the law, alongside Capt. Todd Arendell.

The reason is simple – the National Incident Management System.

Under NIMS, Schmitz and Arendell served as incident commanders, each taking turns working a 12-hour period.

Schmitz worked during the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift.

According to the city, in the event of either a natural or manmade disaster, the city would transition into and operate under NIMS, a program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This program is a comprehensive approach to incident management that can apply to emergencies of all types and sizes. The NIMS approach is intended to be both flexible, to work in all incidents; and standardized, to provide a coordinated efficient response to each incident.

According to the city, the NIMS model for incident management is the Incident Command System, which is a standardized on-scene emergency management organization designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents.

The city said the ICS model is used by jurisdictions and agencies, both public and private, to organize field-level incidentmanagement operations.

Schmitz and elected officials had been trained to use NIMS

in response to emergencies of all types and sizes. Training and certification was required by city councilmen, which came months before hurricane season began in June.

Many of the councilmen coordinated in some way with Schmitz during Harvey when it began operating under the Emergency Operations Center which was housed in a dedicated room within the Alvin Police Department.

When the EOC was opened for use during Harvey from Friday, Aug. 25, to Thursday, Aug. 31, trained employees took on new roles and responsibilities under each functional area: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration.

Preparations were made well in advance of Harvey churning into the Coastal Bend. When it eventually moved out of Southeast Texas, 38 inches of rain fell in Alvin in a 72-hour period, according to the city’s information from the National Weather Service.

“I’m sure Ron Schmitz and Captain Arendell were absolutely thrilled at giving me directives for that period of time,” joked Breland. She did end by saying she was “honored to serve at their direction.”

Harvey became a hurricane on Thursday, Aug. 24.

Schmitz said he and city staff met hours before when it was still a tropical storm to “outline a plan and establish our command structure.”

“By the end of that meeting, Tropical Storm Harvey had become a hurricane and it was forecast to become a Category 3 hurricane so it had gained significant strength in a short amount of time,” Schmitz said.

He said staff members from the Alvin Independent School District and Alvin Community College were also part of the meetings, Schmitz said. It was decided that the next day, the See EMS, page 9

We Buy Ugly Houses

as is, where is, no repairs needed Cash Offer Within 24 hrs

281-331-7426

rgambuyshouses.com

Emergency Management Coordinator Ron Schmitz speaks to the Alvin City Council during a 2015 regular meeting. Every year, Schmitz makes a presentation in his capacity as EM coordinator and also how the city would operate in the event of a natural or manmade disaster, highlighting the National Incident Management System in the process.

(File photo /Albert Villegas)

2

PROFILES: Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Medical students face mountainous debt

The thought of amassing a half-million dollars in medical school debt, in some cases, is steering some of the best and brightest aspiring physicians to choose certain specialties over others, altering their life plans, or discouraging them from going into medicine altogether.

An October Texas Medicine magazine article covering the cost of medical education reports staggering student debt is

shaping how new physicians approach medicine.

Nicole Hernandez, DDS, MD, an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident at UT Health San Antonio, said she will have to start paying back her $450,000 in student loans in 2020.

Assuming everything goes according to plan, she plans to pay them off within eight to 10 years. However, it is not uncomSee Debt, page 9

Alvin’s Only Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home

Kevin & Cory Scott Owners Blake Williams Funeral Assistant

Rick Garrison Funeral Assistant

• Experienced • Caring • Family Oriented • Cremation

• Full Service • Pre-Arrangements • Insurance • Monuments

1421 E. Hwy. 6 • Alvin, TX 77511

281-585-1000 www.scottfuneralhome.net

Communities in Schools, along with other organizations, puts on a big health fair each year at its center.

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

13th Annual

(Contributed photo)

Communities in Schools provides residents learning opportunities stays of CIS. “We had a STEM (sciencetechnology-engineering-math) Expo in February at ACC,” said Kam Marvel, who is the director for after-school programs. “We did it with AISD, ACC and Ascend. There were about 500 in attendance. We did it to educate students and parents about opportunities for STEM careers.”

“It showed how they all work together by learning their reallife applications,” said Bel Sanchez, who is a family engage-

ment specialist with CIS. “We serve 17 schools in AISD and case manage over 1,500 students,” said Judith Pearce, who is the director of operations for day programs. “This year we added a site coordinator at at each school.”

Those coordinators help with academics and social services, she said.

CIS provides students with homework assistance and chances to do science experiments, See Learning, page 9

Adults can learn English as a second language at the CIS center.

(Contributed photo)

By David Money Staff Writer Being healthy plays a big roll in attending school. That is one of the reasons Communities In Schools of Alvin puts on a big health fair in its center on Sealy Street each August.

The kids going back to school can get dental screenings and immunizations at the free health fair.

Keeping kids in schools and helping them learn are main-

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. • Registration cutoff - noon • Trophies awarded at 3:00 p.m.

National Oak Park

Saturday, November 11, 2017 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tribute to Veterans 11 a.m.

• Food Court • Kid’s games • Entertainment • Car and Bike Show • Local Entertainers • Arts, Crafts and Collectibles B Business Expo i E • Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment display

For more info., call (281) 331-3177 or email rnkubeczka@aol.com

www.alvinrotary.com ANTIQUE, CLASSIC + COLLECTOR CARS + BIKES, HOT RODS, STREET RODS

3

PROFILES: Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

Students in Alvin Community College's echocardiography program demonstrate some of the equipment they use in their studies for their degrees.

(Staff photo by David Money)

Students learning how to scan, screen

While students need handson experience when it comes to Diagnostic Cardiovasclar Sonography, the volunteers also benefit from the practice scans.

Since Alvin Community College began offering scans to the community, there have been a number of health issues they’ve identified in volunteers.

Since January of this year, students and instructors have identified several health conditions which the volunteers were previously unaware of including holes in the heart for 18 children and three adults, cancerous thyroid masses, artery blockages, aortic aneurysms, arterial disease, arrhythmias, abnormal

valves and one blood clot in the leg.

“We’ve seen a lot. I drove one patient to the hospital myself because of a serious condition,” Suzanne Poston, a DCVS instructor and clinical director said.

One of the most vital elements of receiving an education in a health-care field is hands-on training. Students seeking a degree in sonography are in need of volunteers to practice the skills they learn in class in the spring, summer and fall semesters every year.

ACC Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Cynthia Griffith, is herself a former sonographer.

“The sonography profession uniquely blends the knowledge of science with the creative art of eye-hand coordination to produce life-saving images for patients,” she said. “We are extremely proud of our highly qualified sonography faculty and their students as they provide health screening opportunities that impact the lives of our community members.”

The DCVS program, like other Allied Health programs, offers free screenings to the public in order to provide needed experience for students. All of the tests are non-invasive, pain-free and are supervised by a certified instructor. The labs are vital for

students because they get oneon-one attention and assistance from faculty while they are scanning, said Jessica Murphy, DCVS director.

“Here in the lab, we have a controlled environment and a slower pace whereby the students can get in a full scan without the added pressure of a sick patient on the table,” Murphy said. “It really allows them an opportunity to focus on the quality of the images rather than the speed of acquisition.”

Another added benefit is that volunteers can obtain copies of the scan results.

“When the participants volunSee Scan, page 5

Order Your Thanksgiving Pies Now Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Pre-Ordered Pie Flavors Buttermilk Butter Pecan Chocolate Pecan Pecan Pumpkin Apple Sugar Free Apple

Chocolate Cream Coconut Cream Lemon Cream Chocolate Meringue Coconut Meringue Lemon Meringue

Apple Pie

Buttermilk Pie

Other Baked Goods Available Chocolate Chip

Peanut Butter

rd rds a t us olla M C

Turnip

Kale

3601 West Hwy. 6

FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES DAILY! A VARIETY OF SAUCES & DRESSING YOU CAN’T GET AT ORDINARY STORES.

CASH • CHECKS • All major credit cards accepted Remember - “Pick Your Own Strawberries” Jan. - May

OPEN: 7 Days/week Mon.-Fri.: 6 A.M. - 6 P.M. Sat. & Sun.: 9 A.M. - 6 P.M.

4

PROFILES: Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

UTMB gets an A for safety, quality

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston announced that its health-care system has received an A grade from The Leapfrog Group for its accomplishments in reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns grades to hospitals “based on their record of patient safety, helping consum-

ers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections,” according to its website.

“UTMB continues to make patient safety a priority as part of our Best Care initiative,” said Donna K. Sollenberger, executive vice president and chief executive officer, UTMB Health System. “Receiving an A See Safety, page 5

ACC EMT students help transport a patient during an interprofessional drill in this ACC file photo.

EMT program earns accreditation

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER

Wednesday, November 29 2:00 - 8:00 PM

The Alvin Community College Emergency Medical Technology program has a well-regarded reputation that extends far beyond the local area and region.

In recent years, various international EMT programs have sought advice from the college regarding their training of medics.

The ACC program has built on that reputation and was recently awarded accreditation through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency

713 W Adoue St. Alvin, TX 77511

PROPANE THINK

Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend 94 Years in Business (1922 - 2016) Birdlife M ON .-S AT . 8 A . M .25TOlb6 P . M . • SUN. 10 A . M . TO 5 P . M .

Corner of Willis & Taylor Streets

$ 8.99 281-331-4491

Kerosene

8.95 Horse Mule 10% $9.95 Ful-O-Pep 12-8 $9.50 Super Beef Developer $10.50 $

Creep 14%

50 Lb. BAG DEER CORN

$

At Your Local Stanton’s Feed & Seed

Nitro Phos 8-12-16 Fall Special Fertilizer

19.95

$

Barricade Preemergence Herbicide $

14.99

Eagle Turf Fungicide $

19.99

95 Years in Business (1922 - 2017) M O N .-S AT . 8

A.M. TO

6

P.M.

•

of Emergency Medical Technicians).

ACC EMT director Doug Stevenson said he is proud of the accreditation which is for a five-year period. The program will have to obtain reaffirmation in 2022.

The ACC program first started in 1976.

There are nearly 50 accredited programs in Texas and more than 700 across the United States. The accreditation gives students more opportunities in their education and their careers, Stevenson

said.

“This means that the graduates have a quality, standardized paramedic education that can transfer seamlessly to all 50 states,” he said. “The paramedic graduates will perform better on national certifications and will find increased job opportunities. This, coupled with the EMS associate degree allows for more promotional and incentive pay for the graduates.”

Accreditation is an important quality for any program See EMT, page 5

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor While the Manvel football team enjoyed another deep playoff run, four other athletic programs at Manvel High School also delivered their best seasons ever.

Entering the 2016-17 school year, the Lady Mavericks’ volleyball squad had made the playoffs on several occasions, but had never won a district crown. However, all that changed under first-year head coach Susan Kennedy.

The Lady Mavericks not only won the district, they went undefeated through 16 matches in 23-5A to easily win their first ever league crown. The Manvel girls continue to dominate in the Class 5A playoffs, sweeping both Houston Furr and Porter in the first two rounds.

A block by middle blocker DeLaine Fulton paved the way for the victory in the third game.

Manvel then faced Kingwood

Park in the regional semifinals.

While the Lady Panthers had defeated the Lady Mavs in straight sets during the regular season, the Manvel girls proceeded to pull off a thrilling 19-25, 25-15, 25-16, 16-25 and 15-11 five-set triumph in the regional quarterfinals to earn their first berth in school history to the regional tournament.

With Kingwood Park holding a 10-8 lead in the fifth and deciding game, Manvel head coach Susan Kennedy called a timeout to remind her team what was on the line.

“I told them that they got to play every single point like it was their last and know you’ve left every single part of you on the court,” Kennedy said following the match. “I didn’t want them to have any regrets.”

The Lady Mavs responded to Kennedy’s message with three straight points to take the upper hand at 11-10. Senior outside hitter Evetta Soma and junior outside hitter Jamie

Travis each hammered kills for Manvel, while Park committed a hitting miscue.

After the teams traded tallies, Park was whistled for double contact to make it 13-11, paving the way for junior rightside hitter Shelby Browning to deliver back-to-back baseline winners to send the Lady Mavs into a mass players and coaches celebration on the court.

The Manvel boys’ basketball team also got off to a hot start during November and December, but injuries almost derailed the Mavericks’ playoff chances in January. Manvel battled through the adversity, though, and made the postseason as the fourth seed from 23-5A. The Mavs also got their players back healthy for the postseason and reeled off victories over Houston Madison, Beaumont Ozen, Elkins and Round Rock Rudder to advance to the regional finals.

With Manvel clinging to a See Teams, page 5

ELIZABETH H. NELSON CPA

6.50

Bulk Fertilizer Fertilizer and Rye Grass Mixing Available

Medical Services Professions as part of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).

“Accreditation by the CoAEMSP is critical for ACC graduates,” said Cynthia Griffith, ACC vice president of instruction. “CoAEMSP accreditation assures the public that the program has met high quality standards in terms of faculty, resources, facilities, and administration.”

Accreditation for EMS programs is now a requirement through the National Registry

Manvel teams have great year

When You Think

Propane Gas

(Contributed photo)

SUN. 10

A.M. TO

C o r n e r o f W i l l i s & Ta y l o r S t r e e t s

5

P.M.

281-331-4491

TAX, ACCOUNTING, PAYROLL AND LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES BETH@NELSONCPAFIRM.COM

20351 Highway 6 P.O. Box 650 Manvel, TX 77578

Phone: (281) 489-0388 Fax: (281) 489-1024

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

PROFILES:

5

Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

EMT Continued from page 4 in the recruitment of potential students, Stevenson said.

“This will improve our ability to recruit and retain qualified paramedic applicants to ACC,” he said. “This is a great feeling and a great day for the Alvin Community College EMS program.”

The accreditation process included the development of a self-study, Stevenson said.

“What we determined in de-

veloping the self-study was that what was most important was to survey our students, graduates, faculty and employers to find out what areas we were being successful in instruction and areas that needed to be updated or revised,” he said.

For more information about the program, visit www.alvincollege.edu/EMT-EMS.

The Manvel Mavericks’ track team won its second state title in three years last May in Austin and also capped a banner 2016-17 sports year at the high school, where the volleyball, boys’ basketball and girls’ soccer programs provided their best seasons, as well.

(Staff Photo by Stephen Collins)

Teams

Continued from page 4 49-48 lead over Rudder late in the regional semifinal contest, Jalen Preston drilled a trey to give the Mavs a little more breathing room with 1:09 remaining and the junior then came back with a bucket in the lane on the next possession with 34 seconds left.

Also fouled on the play, Preston missed a chance for a three-point play at the line, but a wild off-balance three-point attempt by Rudder’s De’Vion Lee sailed over the backboard on the Rangers’ next possession and the Mavs ran out the remaining time on the clock.

While the Mavs fell to Marshall in the finals the next day, the loss failed to diminish what was a history-making season for boys’ basketball at Manvel.

The Manvel girls’ soccer squad also made the playoffs with 12 victories during the regular season, but saved their most cliff-hanging finish for the first round of the playoffs.

The Lady Mavericks rallied for a pair of goals during the closing moments of regulation and then added two more

scores in overtime to gain a 5-3 come-from-behind bi-district victory over Houston Austin.

Austin appeared to have the contest wrapped up, when Luisa Rodriguez scored with 6:19 left in regulation to give the Lady Mustangs a 3-1 lead.

Lady Mavs’ sophomore Toni Reid drilled an indirect penalty kick into the net’s right corner to cut the gap to 3-2 with 3:33 remaining, though, while senior Dalila Chavez-Perez stunned Austin again by piercing the net with 1:25 remaining to suddenly tie it at 3 and force overtime.

“I was thinking it was over (after Austin increased their lead to 3-1),” Chavez-Perez said. “But you can’t do that in soccer. I just saw Barcelona make a great comeback (March 8 against Paris St. Germain) with six goals (after falling behind 4-0 in the first leg of their championship league).

“You have to keep fighting.”

Chavez-Perez and the Lady Mavs’ fight proved to be too much for the Lady Mustangs to handle during the two extra

10-minute periods.

The senior converted a pass from freshman Teresa Sandoval into a the go-ahead goal a little less than four minutes into OT and Chavez-Perez then found junior Breanne Saldivar with a corner kick header into the net with 3:31 left in the first extra session to make it 5-3.

The Lady Mavs’ defense and freshman keeper Tori Reid kept Austin at bay the rest of the way with the Lady Mustangs managing only one shot on goal.

The Manvel boys’ track team then capped things for the sports school year with their second state championship in three years at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin in May. The Mavs compiled 85 points to finish 22 points ahead of runner-up Port Arthur Memorial’s 63 total, while Lancaster was a distant third with 34 points.

Caleb Jolivette won the boys’ 100 meter dash in 10.31 seconds and Howard Fields blistered the 400-meter field with

centers in America to earn the recognition and the only one in Texas to receive a five-star rating.

“Alone, each of these recognitions is a tremendous accomplishment,” Sollenberger said. “Together, they signify the progress that we are achieving to provide the best care to every patient, every time. The recognitions are the result of our faculty physicians, house staff, nurses, other care providers and those in support functions working together to meet the highest standards of patient safety. ”

According to Dr. Gulshan Sharma, UTMB’s vice president, chief medical and clinical innovation officer, “receiving an A score confirms that our efforts to continually provide high-quality patient care throughout our health-care system is paying off for our patients.”

The Best Care initiative, implemented in 2016 at UTMB, resulted in significant improvements in quantitative measures of quality and safety, leading to UTMB receiving the top grade from Leapfrog and the Vizient award.

a 46.45 seconds to give the Mavs a pair of individual gold medals, while Michael Tolds captured silver medal honors in the high jump at 6 feet and 10 inches.

Both the 400 (Jolivette, Scott, Aaron Johnson, Jaren Colbert) and 800-meter relays (Johnson, Colbert, Scott, Jolivette) claimed silver medals for Manvel, as well, with 40.08 and 1:24.05 respective times.

Memorial finished slightly ahead of the Mavs in both races, requiring a national record time of 1:23.52 to hold off Manvel in the 800 and a 5A state record time (39.80) to claim the 400 relay.

While leading in the team standings most of the way, the Mavs finally locked up the title with the foursome of Lawrence Murray, Kameron Scott, London Harris and Fields combining to win the 1600 meter relay with a time of 3 minutes and 12.63 seconds to edge runnerup Lancaster in the race.

Southern Comfort Food

“We also have Gifts, Jewelry, Unique Crosses, Hats, Accessories & Christmas Wreaths.”

Park Your Appetite At the Garage Bar & Grill

Safety Continued from page 4 grade from Leapfrog reinforces the results we have achieved through our efforts.”

Leapfrog is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 with the goal of providing information that helps the public make better decisions about their health care.

UTMB’s success in achieving an A for excellence in safety and quality is the latest kudo for the health care system. In September, UTMB was honored to receive the 2017 Vizient Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award. UTMB was one of 12 academic health

Weekly Specials

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Melba “Toast” Cortez General Mgr. Come by & Say “Hi!”

or vein scan at ACC, call 281756-5625.

Brazos Primary And Urgent Care

Monday-Friday 9:30-6:00 p.m.

Family Medicine & Urgent Care Occupational Medicine Internal Medicine

Brazos Primary And Urgent Care

Discount pricing for cash pay patients

15030 Highway 6 Rosharon, TX 77583 281-972-9202 Brazosmedicalgroup.com

Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointments Necessary

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Catering Available 1755 North Bypass 35 • Alvin, TX 77511 281-824-4000 www.garagebarandgrillalvin.com

November Line Up

11/17 11/18 11/24 11/25 11/26 12/1 12/2 12/8 12/9

ALL MAJOR Insurance Accepted

THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT (Lunch: 855 NY Strip Steak Special)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! Rat Ranch Legendary Rhythm Bandits Thanksgiving Level One Blue Knights Toys for Tots Drive

December Line Up

Keeping You and Your Family Healthy

TACO TUESDAYS (Lunch: Cheese Burger and Fries Special)

Hours:

Continued from page 3 tests are available.

To schedule a free heart, artery

WING WEDNESDAY (Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak with Fries and Green Beans Special)

FISH FRIDAY (Ask for “Lunch Special of the Day”)

Scan teer for a free scan in our labs we are able to provide them with a copy of the scan for a small donation,” Murphy said. “The donations are used to help the students pay for their board exams. It’s really a win-win situation.”

However, the scans are for practice only, and it is not intended to be used for any diagnostic purposes.

There are times when the students and instructors do notice a problem, but the volunteers must visit a doctor to confirm the issue.

The scans are performed on the heart, arteries and veins.

The program seeks volunteers of all ages including adults and children.

They also ask for pregnant women to volunteer in order to perform fetal heart scans.

ACC is home to one of the first, accredited pediatric echocardiography programs and child volunteers are also needed, Murphy said.

Times for each of the scans vary.

Those interested in receiving a free screening should contact the departments to find out when the

MEATLOAF MONDAY (Lunch: 10 ct Fried Shrimp Basket Special)

12/15 12/16 12/22 12/23 12/29 12/30

David Joel Rat Ranch Chris Boise Junior Gordon (collecting toys for Christmas) Al White Storybook Road Allen Henderson & Texas Ice House Band MOJO Faction Band Troy McManus Level One

Coming 2018

Vince King ( Impersonator) celebrating Elvis Presley Birthday January 4 Wade Hayes and Holly Tucker (Best Female Vocalist in Texas) January 12 Jake Worthington February 23

Please check our Facebook for updates & more artist to come.

12/31 New Year’s Party RAT RANCH TICKETS 50.00 RESERVED SEATING! Includes appetizer & champagne Toast

6

PROFILES: Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

Stephen F. Austin has year to be proud of

Overwhelmed by your MEDICARE OPTIONS!

Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. I can help you find the Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget.

FREE CONSULTATION. Call today for personalized service!

936-499-8763 Mary Ann Stanko Licensed Insurance Agent

mstanko@healthmarkets.com

112 S. Gordon, Ste. D Alvin, TX 77511

This is an advertisement. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is the d/b/a, or assumed name, of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. which is licensed as a insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state.

HMIA000554

Support the Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

By David Money Staff Writer The year has been a good one for Stephen F. Austin Community Health Network, a spokesman said.

“One of the things we are proudest of is tele-health and tele-medicine that people can access at heath center cites,” said Ezreal Garcia, who is the business development and special programs officer at Stephen F. Austin Community Health Network.

Tele-health encompasses a broad variety of technologies and tactics to deliver virtual medical, health and education

services. Telehealth is not a specific service, but a collection of means to enhance care and education delivery, according to a website dedicated to that technology. Clients talk to a care provider by talking and watching a monitor at one of the network’s clinic sites.

The network has a number of health centers with locations in Alvin, Pearland and Freeport.

Garcia said Stephen F. Austin also provides integrated services with Gulf Coast MH-MR. There are also two school-based centers in Brazosport School District, and SFA operates a clinic in the Brazoria County Dream Center in Clute, he noted.

Thank You For Choosing

as your “Best Auto Repair Shop” (State Recognized Emission Repair Facility)

2017

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

AC, Suspension, Computer Diagnostics and Complete Auto Repair

ASE MASTER TECHS

2301 S. Gordon / Alvin, TX 77511 / 281-331-5781

Family Owned & Operated Since 1951

1655 Bypass 35 • Alvin Leeoilalvin.com

“We work hand-in-hand with the Gulf Coast center to provide primary care for their patients,” Garcia said.

“Systemwide we have had 40,000 visits this year,” he added.

“We did have a lot of highlights this year. One of them was opening the dental practice in Pearland. It is the Pearland Dental Care Associates,” Garcia said.

Dental services are also provided at the SFA center on Adoue in Alvin, he said.

“We have regular cleaning all the way to dentures,” Garcia said. “Our dental director specializes in TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders).”

The center also provides wellwoman exams, well-man exams and well-child programs, he added.

There is also counseling provided for both adults and children Monday through Friday.

“We have psychiatric services available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” he said.

The center is open to those with private insurance, government insurance and those without insurance.

“We do accept regular insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.

We do have programs for those uninsured and meet the federal income poverty levels,” Garcia said.

“We have programs, through the state, to help women with family planning,” he noted.

SFA also participates in health fairs throughout the year.

“We were just at the annual ACC Fall Festival,” Garcia said.

“One of the things we are proud of is our Emergency Pre-

paredness Plan that was showed how we were going to address a natural disaster,” he said.

That plan was put to use this year after Tropical Storm Harvey stalled over the area in late August.

“This year we are providing no-cost care to those living west of the Brazos. Areas like Holiday Lakes and Rosharon,” he said. “What we do is make our service mobile to go to city halls, churches and social service agencies.”

SFA is a non-profit with Mark Young serving as the CEO and a volunteer board of directors that meets monthly, Garcia said.

“We are proud to be in Alvin and Brazoria communities. We are excited about the future of the county and the city,” Garcia said.

Track athlete has banner year

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor Kynnedy Flannel delivered a track and field season for the ages last spring at both the state and national levels.

Flannel, a junior last year at Alvin High School, dominated the Houston area girls’ field in the 100 and 200-meter races and the long jump, while also ranking among the best in the nation in each event.

The bigger the stage got, the bigger performance Flannel provided. The junior rolled through the district, area and regional competitions and then saved the best for last at the Class 5A State Meet in Austin on May 13.

Before a packed house at Mike A. Myers Stadium, Flannel not only broke the Class 6A state long jump record with a leap of 21 feet and 2.75 inches, she also went on to become the most decorated track and field athlete in Yellowjacket history later that day.

Flannel proceeded to capture a gold medal in the girls’ 100-meter race in 11.43 seconds and the AHS junior then kicked it into yet another gear an hour and 20 minutes later to strike gold once again in the 200-meter dash at 23.34 seconds.

Alvin’s Kynnedy Flannel is shown with both her gold medals from the UIL state meet in May and the USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in July.

(Staff Photo by Stephen Collins) The 30 points Flannel com“It was really unexpected,” piled helped Alvin finish seventh said Flannel, who also reached in the overall 6A team standings. the 21-foot long jump plateau for the first time in her high school career. “I was really jumping bad in my first couple of ones. But I got back warm and just went for it.

“I was really shocked. I didn’t think I was going to do it today. I thought it was just a regular 20foot jump. But my dad started yelling and when I saw it (on the marquee), it was so surreal.

I just hit the (take-off) board and went through the regular motions I usually do.”

The postseason awards immediately poured out for Flannel, as a result. The Houston Chronicle selected Flannel as its high school track and field girls’ athlete of the year, while Gatorade tabbed the AHS junior as its Texas girls’ state T&F athlete of the year. The national stage reached out to Flannel, as well, with the 2017 American Family Insurance’s All-USA Girls’ Track and Field organization placing her on the first team in the horizontal jumps category and also giving Flannel a coveted All-American title.

However, the incredible performances didn’t stop there.

At the USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track See Year, page 10

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

PROFILES:

7

Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

Treatment center gets people on track

Tanaya Hudson Ghadi, who used to own a business in Alvin, is now doing mission work in India.

(Staff photo by David Money)

Woman finds her life's mission

By David Money Staff Writer In 2008, Tanaya Hudson Ghadi changed her path from the walk in worldly things to a walk of work for the Lord.

“I walked away from the career because that is when God called me into the mission field,” she said.

“For many years, I was financially successful and socially, but I was not content; no satisfaction,” she said. “Sometimes you just know that there is something more for your life.”

She got the call to service while in her swimming pool.

She said she got a message that came from outside herself.

“You’re willing, but not available,” is what she felt the message said.

“I knew he was talking to me about doing his work,” she said.

“I just started giving everything away.”

“I spent a lot of time in prayer and helping the homeless in downtown Houston. I started to have an outward focus,” she said.

She moved in with a friend and got a job at IHOP. “For three years, I worked as a waitress at the IHOP on Pearland Parkway,” she said.

“I was not ‘churched,’ ” she

said. “I have never been to Bible school. I wasn’t qualified to talk to anyone about Jesus, but every decision I made was motivated by the belief that I one day would be traveling throughout the world sharing his 1ove. People would ask, ‘Tanaya, when are you leaving?’ I didn’t know.

‘Tanaya, where are you going?’ I couldn’t say.”

But, eventually, she did know.

She went to Modova to work in an orphanage, then it was off to Thailand where she spent two months.

Along the way she said she witnesses many miracles.

In Bangladesh, she said she saw a crying mother holding her

lifeless infant that had drowned.

She was the only Christian, the only one with hope. As villagers looked on, she called out to God. The baby responded, she said.

“God raised that baby from the dead!” she said. “The entire village, more than 300 women, came to accept Christ.”

Currently, she lives and does mission work in India with her husband Natin.

She was in Alvin recently to share her testimony at Trinity Apostolic Faith Church.

She was reared in Pearland and when she owned her own business it was located on Sealy Street and called Unique Fit Training, she said.

Santa Maria is Texas’ largest multi-site residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment center and one of a very few to provide comprehensive continuum for pregnant and parenting women and their children, according to a news release from the group.

Clients progress toward achieving improved mental and physical health, family functioning and economic stability that supports a drug- and violence-free lifestyle.

Through staff provided services, clients complete substance abuse treatment, acquire parenting skills, develop job readiness skills, set and attain educational and employment goals, gain critical life skills, get referrals and information on resources and obtain permanent housing.

“Santa Maria provides criti-

cal and life changing services for low-income, indigent women age 18 and above and their children from Harris and the surrounding 12 counties. Our women face many challenges to their recovery, including histories of trauma, criminal justice and Children’s Protective Services involvement, and homelessness or housing instability.

Many also have co-occurring mental and physical health issues. Their children and families struggle with these issues as well, and so together we support the entire family on their recovery journey,” said Nadine Scamp, the CEO, in a news release from the center.

The Outpatient Treatment services are offered in Alvin through Santa Maria to adult women as a primary or step down treatment option with an See Track, page 10

Italian Cuisine composed with French & Sicilian styles of cooking & flavor • Italian Classics Specialties and Pizza Pies

Executive Express Lunch - $8.99

832-569-5314

Corner of 528 & 518 • 129 W. Parkwood Friendswood Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm • Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm

Keeping an Eye on Your Vision

Schedule yours today!

Your vision is important to us and we therefore are committed to excellence in eye care. Coastal Eye Associates is a place where boardcertified ophthalmologists, along with a team of optometrists, and ophthalmic technicians, provide a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services. We offer services from simple eye exams to complicated state of the art surgical procedures.

Angel Tree of Remembrance Service

December 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Come place an angel ornament on our tree in celebration of the life of your loved one.

300 Oak Park Dr. • Alvin 281-331-8217 frobergfuneralhomeatoakpark.com

Complimentary angel ornaments will be provided or you may bring your own.

8

PROFILES: Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Serving Our Customers For 49 Years

Parks Restaurant ~ ALL YOU CAN EAT ~

Breakfast Buffet: 7 AM - 10:30 AM - Sat. & Sun. Lunch Buffet: 10:30 AM - 3 PM - Sun. Lunch & Dinner Buffet: 10:30 AM - 9 PM Mon.-Sat. ...and Don’t Forget ...we also have Senior Discounts on Mon. - Thurs. - 4 pm-close

Open Thanksgiving Day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Serving all your traditional favorites!

Taking orders for Fried or Baked Turkeys!

WE CATER!

2422 S. Gordon, Alvin/281-585-5046 CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Jordan Rusk, left, a clinical coordinator for the polysomnography / sleep medicine program at ACC, discusses her program with Suzanne Poston, the diagnostic coordinator of ACC's sonography program recently.

(Staff photo by David Money)

“...and Let’s Toast to New Beginnings!”

ACC studies sleep disorders

By David Money Staff Writer Thre are two rooms in the Health-Science Building at ACC that look a lot like hotel rooms.

That is because they were made for sleeping in.

But it isn't students sleeping there, it is volunteers in the polysomnography/sleep medicine program that bed down there.

Jordan Rusk, the program's clinical coordinator, said volunteers are needed at certain times of the year to help the students

learn.

Rusk is a graduate of the program at ACC. The program is one of 16 in the country, said Georgette Goodwill, the program director.

“There are only two in Texas.

We were the first in the state of Texas,” she said.

Students enrolled in that degree program learn about sleep disorders, respiratory care, basic health professional skills and many other things during the two years of study in the program.

Goodwill’s program graduates

are assured of a job.

“The demand for sleep techs is high. They want trained people,” she said.

This program is limited to only 10 to 12 students, she said.

“A polysomnogram is a sleep study in which physiologic information is collected during the night in a sleep disorders center.

Sensors attached to a patient record brain wave activity, muscle activity, and various aspects of breathing during sleep,” Goodwill writes in a message that goes out to applicants in the program.

The students near the end of the semester are graded on how well they conduct a sleep study right there in the lab on campus.

The volunteers actually sleep in a part of the lab that looks like a bedroom. There are two of them. They have beds and other furniture.

The volunteers are wired up so that students can monitor the patterns of sleep during the night.

For information about the program, call 281-756-5655 or email ggoodwill@alvincollege. edu.

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

PROFILES:

Earlier this year some of the sewing class students made 33 dresses, shirts and shorts for children in Haiti. People can study toward a GED and learn about citizenship.

(Contributed photo)

Weight Loss Program!

Learning Continued from page 2 Marvel said.

“We do 3-D printing, build and fly drones, study robotics,” Marvel said. “Some of them learn to make their own video games. We include parents in the students’ learning.”

There are also programs for adults at the center. People can take classes in English as a second language, study toward a GED and learn about citizenship.

Earlier this year some of the sewing class students made 33 dresses, shirts and shorts for children in Haiti.

“Every service we offer is at no cost,” Pearce said.

CIS was one of the many entities that got involved with Tropical Storm Harvey recovery.

“Boeing sent us T-shirts, cinch Emergency Management Coordinator Ron Schmitz enjoys the first responders meal last year. book bags, model airplanes, jour(File photo/Albert Villegas) nals and pencils,” Pearce said.

Nautica sent clothes, pens, journals and rulers, and Lily Rain, a clothing and lifestyle Continued from page 1 retailer based in Houston, sent city would begin implementing dinator is to be in charge of 18 management: preparedness, socks, pajamas and slippers, she NIMS. full-time and 21 part-time staff response, recovery and mitiga- said.

On a normal day members. tion.

Schmitz said he has served as The city operates with seven According to the city, the Althe city’s Emergency Manage- emergency medical technicians vin EMS yearly call volume and ment coordinator since 2012, and 11 paramedics. transports reached nearly an alland also serves as the city’s He said as the Emergency time record as the 2016-17 fisEmergency Services director.

Management coordinator, he is cal year budget ended Sept 30.

He said on any given day, this responsible for the planning and Last fiscal year, EMS reis what he was hired to do and implementation of the city’s sponded to just over 5,000 enjoys leading his staff. comprehensive Emergency transports.

The rest of the 51 weeks Management Program, which This year it responded to Schmitz isn’t the incident com- guides the city through each of just as many. mander, his role as EMS coor- the four phases of emergency

EMS

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

Continued from page 2 mon for physicians to pay off their medical school debts decades after they began practicing medicine.

Michael Metzner, MD, a second-year general surgery resident at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long University of Texas School of Medicine in San Antonio, said his medical school tried to brace him for the financial impact of his school loans before graduation. “In med school, it’s very easy to think of it as Monopoly money,” Metzner said.

“You see these huge figures, and it’s, like, ‘I’m already $100,000 in debt, and my medical school tuition’s $40,000 [a year].’ It’s easy to say, ‘Sign the dotted line.’ But I don’t think it’s until you’re out there working that you realize what that means.”

The “Monopoly money” reference is common among medical students. Christina Thorngren, MD, a third-year emergency medicine resident at the Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, used the term in discussing her $485,000 in medical school debt from the out-ofstate private school she attended.

While she has no regrets about her career choice, she knows people who shied away from medicine over the price tag. She suspects a potentially huge debt load affects whether talented students will consider medicine as a career. “I’ve known people who thought about going into medicine and who would’ve been really good doctors, who chose not to go into it and chose to do something else…because they were afraid of the debt,” she said.

Texas Medicine cites a study by the Association of American Medical Colleges, showing three-quarters (76 percent) of all medical school, graduates have education debt averag-

FAMILY PRACTICE CLINIC OF ALVIN 711 W. Sidnor Alvin, TX 77511 Call 281-331-5953

To Schedule An Appointment Saturday Appointments Available.

INTERIOR REMODELING FOR HOMES AND OFFICES Custom Made Laminate Countertops Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry

FREE ESTIMATES CALL TODAY!

281-245-6243

www.bunkyandsonconstruction.com

Member of the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce

We have EXPANDED!

Debt

ing $190,000 per person. That is up from an inflation-adjusted $125,372 in 2000. As a result, medical school debt hangs over every aspect of a new physician’s life.

Debt is reshaping the field of medicine, as more students choose certain medical specialties over others to pay off their debts. Gary Ventolini, MD, regional dean of the medical school at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Permian Basin campus, said some students are considering more lucrative specialties, instead of traditional primary care.

He said the choice of career and debt concerns often spill over into personal life choices. “[Debt] influences their decisions about whether to marry or not, or to have a family,” Ventolini said. “Many are afraid of losing a girlfriend or boyfriend [if they wait].”

James Dahle, MD, a Utah emergency physician who also runs the financial website WhiteCoatInvestor.com, said medical students’ best strategy for coping with debt is to learn the basics of personal finance, live fru-

gally and do everything possible to cut expenses and avoid adding more debt – both during school and while they’re paying back their student loans. “It’s the basics of personal finance – it’s just math,” he said. “You don’t get a pass on math because you’re a doctor and you decided to do something good with your life.”

Thorngren anticipates paying off her medical school loans in her 40s or 50s. And despite the cost, Hernandez said she has no regrets about her dual-degree career choice.

“I’ve always said, ‘Do what you want because you’re passionate about what you want to do,’ ” she said. “Consider the amount it will cost you, but don’t choose something just because of how many dollar signs there are.”

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 50,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

See You In March 2018!

1113 S. Johnson • Alvin (Right across from Alvin High School)

9

Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

GREAK’S SMOKEHOUSE

Come Visit Our Newly Remodeled Smokehouse!

* Homemade Smoked Sausages -Pecan, Summer & Breakfast * Variety of Meats & Cheeses -Stuffed Pork Chops, Homemade Jerky & Boudain

CUSTOM DEER PROCESSING 3601 W. Highway 6 ~ Alvin

(Located at Froberg’s Farm)

281-388-0368

10

PROFILES: Healthcare/Medical Services/Religion

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Year

Continued from page 6 and Field Championships in late July, Flannel represented the Track Houston Youth in Lawrence, Kansas and won the 17-18-year-old women’s long jump competition with a leap of 20 feet and 5 1/4 inches.

Flannel also captured the 200 meters race by 23.54 seconds to bring home her second national championship in an individual event, while claiming silver in the 100-meter race at 11.70 seconds. Flannel’s team

also placed fifth in the 4X100 relay.

Flannel, whose ultimate goal is to compete for the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, could be well on her way to achieving the remarkable feat, as she entered the 2017-18 school year as the International Association of Athletics Federation’s No. 1 world ranked under 18 long jumper.

Track

Continued from page 7 emphasis on relapse prevention and promotion of long-term recovery within the community setting. Group, family and individual sessions are offered.

Benefits of the program

• Evidence-based treatment curricula, trauma informed groups utilizing Seeking Safety curricula • Substance use disorders treatment, relapse prevention, PTSD counseling, aftercare • Safe, healthy, supportive, nurturing environment

• Individualized treatment plans and varying lengths of treatment depending on assessed needs • Day, evening and weekend group sessions available • Individual sessions available to provide guidance, support, and counseling • Referral for Outpatient COPSD services for clients with duel diagnosis • Anger management, family education, parenting, 12 step meetings, spirituality, social support groups

Ruth Dietz stands in the food pantry in Manvel called The Well on Mastersroad. It is in a room in The Church on MastersRoad.

(Staff photo by David Money)

Many come to feed at The Well

By David Money Staff Writer The Well on Mastersroad has spent this year growing into filling it mission: to feed those in need.

The food bank returned to Manvel in March after it found a home in The Church on MastersRoad Ruth Dietz is the director of the 501c(3) non-profit group that operates the Well.

“We are very grateful to have our home here at The Church on MastersRoad. Jason (Lee, the pastor) and the church reached out to me with a text,” she said. It was the end of January and said: ‘We’re new to the community and we have a small space.’ ” She responded in the positive quickly.

“I said yes. I didn’t care how small the space. I just wanted my

foot back in the community,” she said.

Dietz and volunteers operated food bank called Suzanna’s Cupboard until they lost their home in 2016 when Grace United Methodist merged with another church.

“I felt I had two choices. We could shut down and go home or find a new location,” said Dietz.

So she, her husband, Logan, and volunteers started working with the Fresno Food Bank, but continued to look for a home that would bring them back to Manvel.

The Well is much more than a food pantry, she said.

“We do more than give out food,” she said. “Gary Lee (the pastor’s father) opens the church’s doors at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays so our senior citizens can have a community center. They come to drink coffee and visit.”

The Well also tries to match people to jobs.

“We try to being jobs opportunities to people,” she said. “We have had Workforce Solutions here.”

Her husband also lent a hand to help people in the job hunt.

“My husband has set up a computer and printer so they can go online and apply for jobs,” she said. “That is why I say we are much more than a food pantry in our community.”

The food pantry is open every Tuesday of the month from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m.

Additionally, the Houston Food Bank sends a produce truck to The Well on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, she noted.

“We’re having a great time here,” she said. “Can you imagine anything better than a Tuesday

when you wake up and know you are going to make a difference in someone else’s life?”

She also called on groups, businesses and others in the community to hold food drives for The Well.

“Food drives are the life blood of the food pantry. Because of them, we can offer our clients a bigger variety than we can get from the Houston Food Pantry,” she said.

The food bank can always use donations both monetary and nonperishable foods.

Volunteers are also needed to help carry on the work of The Well, she said.

“A lot of people don’t realize we have to buy our food from the Houston Food Bank,” she said. “It takes about 30 volunteers every Tuesday to help distribute goods.”

ALVIN PROUD/ALVIN STRONG CAR SHOPPING MADE EASY WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

3205 FM 528, ALVIN, TX • RONCARTER.COM • 281-331-8111

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

Stanton's — historical shopping center still has great meat

By Albert Villegas Staff Reporter Stanton’s Shopping Center has been a longtime member of the Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce. In fact, its membership predates any records the chamber has, according to officials, who recently had an industry tour and the longtime Alvin business was spotlighted.

For a business that has been involved in the meat industry since 1922 and has been a fixture in the Alvin community, there are a lot of things that Stanton’s Meats predates around the downtown area.

Stanton’s was around much longer than Alvin City Hall when it became the epicenter of city business on Sealy Street in 1970, or where the Alvin Historical Museum has been located since 2001 or even a fueling station and other businesses that were once at the corner of Willis and Gordon streets before it became known as the “ugly corner.”

Among the nearby buildings that have about the same historical significance as Stanton’s is the Alvin Train Depot, which was constructed in 1907 and renovated decades later, as well as the building relic constructed in 1920 where Gordon Street Tavern and Dreyfus Printing are now located.

All these edifices are part of an area that the city looks to bolster through the Downtown Alvin Revitalization Team.

In the chamber’s November industry tour of Stanton’s, Alvin Economic Development Director Larry Buehler

acknowledged how vital this business is to enrich the look of downtown. The downtown area Alvin looks to enhance stretches from Stanton’s to National Oak Park, which are four city blocks apart.

Buehler said it’s important that residents and visitors know this if they are going to shop downtown and spend money locally.

Alvin: The exotic “meat” destination One of the owners of Stanton’s, Allen J. Stanton, boasted about the awards the business earned during a competition at a convention of the Texas Association of Meat Processors in 2016.

Stanton’s Shopping Center may encompass propane, feed, hardware and grocery, but it’s Stanton’s Meats that puts it on the map, not just throughout Southeast Texas, but across the state.

Having been in the meat business since before the Great Depression, it wasn’t until 2006 that the Stanton family decided to expand their meat operation and enhance its “small” meat plant operation significantly following USDA approval.

If it’s exotic that you want, then exotic is exactly what Stanton’s offers by way of meat.

When Alvin Community College’s Wendy Del Bello asked what Stanton’s favorite exotic meat is, he paused and said, “Hmm, for me the deer sausage is what is real good but we also have kangaroo. That’s one of our better sellers, too. It’s a little gamey I think but at least you can say you ate it.”

And why not try it?

Allen Stanton speaks to Chris Christensen about the variety of packaged meats Stanton's Shopping Center sells.

(Staff photo by Albert Villegas) After all, Stanton’s Meats refers to its kangaroo/pork smoked jalapeno cheese sausage as the “Cadillac of flavors,” as well as its deer/pork smoked jalapeno sausage.

“We also have camel sausage that’s not too bad – very lean,” said Stanton, a 1983 graduate of

Texas A&M and member of its Meats and Livestock judging teams. “We see a lot of rabbit, believe it or not.”

He said for some, it’s not uncommon to have eaten rabbit since they were children.

It’s what’s for dinner in some households, he adds.

When explaining the process to those who attended the AMACC industry tour, it was a delight and to some a surprise to hear the variety of meat Stanton’s produces and has available for true gamers who hold guns for sport not joysticks in front of a TV.

Stanton alluded to the beginning of the hunting season in November, which accelerates their business even more as the year ends.

At Stanton’s Meats, employees also process elk, buffalo, wild boar, alligator and See Stanton's, page 2

Second Annual Winter Festival Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 25th - December 23rd

-Activities-

Lights (more than 100,000) and photo opts Hayrides (Lighted at night) Face Painting • Glitter Tattoos • Cookie Decorating • Bee Coaster • Friendly Fire Corn Cannon • Photos with or without Santa & More To Come

Also Welcoming Fred Dickens & the Garden Rd. Baptist Church Choir - 4th Annual Appearance - December 9th 9:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. For more information & prices for the Winter Festival. Visit our Website: www.frobergsfarm.com

281-585-3531

3601 W. Hwy. 6 • Alvin, TX 77511

Store Hrs: Open 7 Days/Week • Mon.-Sun. 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.

2

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Stanton's

Continued from page 1 quail. Depending on the exotic meat, the price per pound can be quite pricey, said Stanton.

For example, alligator meat can cost up to $20 per pound.

There is also bacon, beef snack sticks, bratwurst and frankfurters available for much less.

Bel Sanchez said she and others in Alvin are complimentary of the Stanton’s tasty meat.

“The marinated meats are what everybody that I talk to

comes to Stanton’s for,” Sanchez said. “It’s halfway done, just throw it in for a bit and you’re ready to eat.”

The marinated fajitas and chicken then become part of the conversation.

However, deer is what has allowed Stanton’s to continue to thrive in the meat industry at various times of the year.

Looking back decades, his descendants felt being strategically located next to a railroad and selling wood and

Alvin’s Only Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home

Kevin & Cory Scott Owners Blake Williams Funeral Assistant

Rick Garrison Funeral Assistant

• Experienced • Caring • Family Oriented • Cremation

• Full Service • Pre-Arrangements • Insurance • Monuments

1421 E. Hwy. 6 • Alvin, TX 77511

281-585-1000 www.scottfuneralhome.net

Bel Sanchez reacts to a comment made by Allen Stanton during an Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce industry tour in November. In the background are Wendy Del Bello and Larry Buehler. Below, a great white shark is displayed near the ceiling as visitors come into the feed section of Stanton’s Shopping Center in downtown Alvin.

(Staff photos by Albert Villegas) coal would make their business thrive. Seventeen years into the next century, Stanton said the fact that there are a “handful” of deer processing businesses within 50 miles of Stanton’s for hunters to go to has made them thrive in the deer processing business, too.

“We do a lot of meat work, we do a lot of production here – we have a big smoker in the back that cooks 600 pounds of sausage at a time,” Stanton said.

According to the Stanton’s Meats website, its most “exciting product” has been the South Texas smoked beef sticks, with the slogan, “The Taste of Texas in every bite.”

“Each stick is made from only the best quality of beef and has its own unique taste,” the website explains. “Another great advantage of this beef stick is that it's shelf-stable and individually wrapped. It is an

Come & Join the Fun Where Parties are our Specialty

excellent fundraising item that you can take anywhere and eat anytime.”

Feeling the heat “Hot but flavorful” is what Stanton’s Meats praises it can do for even the bravest of food consumers.

“We at Stanton’s make a lot of different flavors of sausages, hot dogs, chicken fajitas and bacons, but some people like it not only hot but extremely hot,” Stanton said. “This past year we’ve been

perfecting our recipes for these extremely hot products.”

So the business introduced “one of the hottest peppers in the world.”

It is the Ghost Pepper.

Currently Stanton’s offers the following: the Inferno Ghost Pepper habanero cheese smoked sausage, Inferno Ghost Pepper habanero cheese homemade hot dog, Inferno Ghost Pepper marinated boneless chicken thighs and breast fajitas, even Ghost Pepper white cheddar

cheese.

“These Ghost Pepper products are not for everyone but if you’re one of those, ‘I like it hot’ or ‘I can’t get it hot enough’ kind of people, try them out,” Stanton said.

But, he adds: “I highly recommend you have your favorite cold beverage on hand at all times because you’re going to need it.”

For more information on Stanton’s Meats, call 281-3314491 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Parties Starting at $80 • Arcades • 2 Hour Sessions • Fun Physical Activity Buy One Admission

Get One FREE SATURDAY, 8 - 11 pm SKATE RENTAL EXTRA

MUST PRESENT COUPON - EXPIRES 3/31/18

1701 W. Hwy. 6 Alvin, Texas

281-756-0507 Like Us On Facebook ALVIN SKATE N PARTY Y

www.alvinskateparty.com

Family Owned & Operated Since 1951

1655 Bypass 35 • Alvin Leeoilalvin.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

3

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

Manvel restaurant continues a Cajun family tradition

By David Money Staff Writer Sometimes dreams do come true.

“This was his dream — to open a restaurant. He would say, ‘Someday I'm going to have a restaurant,’” said Sherry Honore, who is the wife of Brook Honore.

The Manvel couple opened Honore’s Cajun Cafe on SH 6 in the city May 23 of this year, they said.

Brook started cooking “a long time ago,” he said.

“I’m self-taught, but mom and dad were a big influence. They got me headed in the right direction,” he said.

Sherry said her husband doesn’t know how to cook for just a few people.

“When I cook it will be for four to six people,” she said.

“He’ll cook for about 50 people.

He just cooks big and our friends benefit from those leftovers.”

“We wanted to be different.

We serve food you would get at my home,” Brook said.

His friend and now employee at the restaurant backed up his

Brook, right, and Sherry Honore pose for a photo in their new Manvel restaurant, Honore's Cajun Cafe. The couple said they could have put their restaurant in many places, but they chose Manvel because it is their home and they wanted to provide a place for Manvel residents to enjoy traditional Cajun food.

(Courtesy photo)

boss on that statement.

“What you eat here is what you eat at their house,” said Keidrick Perry.

The menu has gumbos, ettouffee, crawfish and boudain.

It also has boudain balls that have been a hit with several customers.

One of them was Christopher Parker from South Carolina.

“We’re down here doing IT work,” he said. “This is my fifth time to eat here in the weeks we have been here. This is my first time eating boudain (balls). It has an awesome flavor. It is an excellent combination; definitely my new favorite menu item.”

Cajun cooking isn’t just something the Honores enjoy doing. It’s almost like they were meant to.

Brook’s dad, Bruce, once owned a small shop on Highway 6 called Bruce’s Boudain. Brook recalled how one customer came in and asked if the boudain was good.

When he ate it, he stopped and said it reminded him of boudain he had 25 years ago — at Bruce’s shop.

When the family decided to open their restaurant, there were a lot of decisions to make. But one decision was easy — the restaurant was going to be in Manvel.

“We could have opened anywhere,” Brook said. “But we live here, raised our kids here.

We wanted to bring something nice to Manvel.”

There are many delicious dishes on the menu, but all have Cajun and Creole influences.

Some are originals Brook created himself.

Some recipes are blackened redfish over dirty rice, crawfish etouffee and the gumbo.

Honores Cajun Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The restaurant is closed Mondays.

Bruce Honore grinds up meat at his restaurant — Bruce's Boudain. His son, Brook, has followed in his footsteps and recently opened Honore's Cajun Cafe in Manvel.

(Courtesy photo)

We have EXPANDED!

GREAK’S SMOKEHOUSE

Come Visit Our Newly Remodeled Smokehouse!

* Homemade Smoked Sausages -Pecan, Summer & Breakfast * Variety of Meats & Cheeses -Stuffed Pork Chops, Homemade Jerky & Boudain

CUSTOM DEER PROCESSING 3601 W. Highway 6 ~ Alvin

(Located at Froberg’s Farm)

281-388-0368

4

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Serving Our Customers For 49 Years

Parks Restaurant ~ ALL YOU CAN EAT ~

Breakfast Buffet: 7 AM - 10:30 AM - Sat. & Sun. Lunch Buffet: 10:30 AM - 3 PM - Sun. Lunch & Dinner Buffet: 10:30 AM - 9 PM Mon.-Sat. ...and Don’t Forget ...we also have Senior Discounts on Mon. - Thurs. - 4 pm-close

Open Thanksgiving Day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Serving all your traditional favorites!

Taking orders for Fried or Baked Turkeys!

WE CATER!

2422 S. Gordon, Alvin/281-585-5046 CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

We Buy Ugly Houses

as is, where is, no repairs needed Cash Offer Within 24 hrs

281-331-7426

rgambuyshouses.com

Keeping an Eye on Your Vision

Nina Froberg, left, her gandson, Matthew Jax Flores, and daughter, Ashley Froberg, enjoy some family time at the corn cannon at Froberg's Farm. The family-run business has operated since 1936 and is currently run by four generations of the family. Beginning Nov. 25, Froberg's Farm will open its Winter Festival with a variety of fun, family-friendly events.

(Staff photo by David Money)

Family fun still key at Froberg's Farm At Froberg’s Farms, there is always work to do. But they always find time for fun.

Beginning Nov. 25, Froberg’s wants to share that fun with the Alvin community. During Froberg’s Winter Festival, there will be a variety of fun things for children and adults to do to celebrate the season.

Among the festivities are always popular favorites like photos with Santa, cookie decorating and face painting, but what makes Froberg’s festivities stick out are the things you can’t do elsewhere. Those things include Friendly Fire paintball, where contestants shoot at each other with soft

balls, not paint balls. Another is the Corn Cannon, where participants fire at emoji targets.

But during the Winter Festival, holiday themed events are the most popular. Cookie decorating includes sugar cookies made from scratch, two colors of icing and sprinkles. Yummy.

Ashley Froberg, 23, who works at the fourth-generation family business, said while fun is important, work is always ongoing. The farm will have its always popular strawberry picking in from December through May. Leafy greens such as mustard greens and collard greens are available now.

Favorites such as Brussel

sprouts, broccoli and cabbage will be available much of the winter.

Fresh strawberries will be available for those who want to pick their own again in February and watermelon, okra and other favorites will be available in the summer.

While there is always fresh produce available at Froberg’s, strawberries seem to be one of the biggest draws. Ashley said as long as the weather stays cool, there will be strawberries.

One big change in the future is Froberg’s is starting to grow blackberries, which will be available to pick in 2019.

Froberg’s Farm started in

1936 when Fred Froberg planted the first crops. Now, 83 years later, four generations of Frobergs help run the family business. And with each new generation, new things are added to the business. During the holiday season, one of the favorites for local residents are fried pies, which are made from scratch at Froberg’s. That tradition started in 1993 when Nina Froberg started making the pies.

Froberg’s Farms is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The Winter Festival will be open from 3 to 10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and 3 to 8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23.

Growing with Alvin for 35 years & counting

Congratulations to Lynne Bennet who recently celebrated her 25 years with Hawkins Lease Service.

Schedule yours today!

Your vision is important to us and we therefore are committed to excellence in eye care. Coastal Eye Associates is a place where boardcertified ophthalmologists, along with a team of optometrists, and ophthalmic technicians, provide a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services. We offer services from simple eye exams to complicated state of the art surgical procedures.

Luz Echevrria (in the cowboy hat) is presented with custom cowboy boots to congratulate him on his retirement after 20+years.

Congratulations to Mark Rodriguez (far right) who also celebrated 25 years with Hawkins Lease Service.

3205 F.M. 2403 • Alvin • 281-331-2739

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

5

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

Year after year, Alvin's economy continues to thrive

By Albert Villegas Staff Reporter Changes abound when it comes to the development in and around Alvin, but one thing that doesn’t change is the way that city officials and elected leaders have disseminated that information to the masses during public forums.

Alvin officials have used Alvin Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce luncheons to provide the public with state of the city addresses the past few years.

One thing that has remained constant is the people who speak about the changes in Alvin in a public setting.

Mayor Paul Horn recently spoke at his fourth state of the city address at the Knights of Columbus Hall in front of hundreds of guests; his first address in 2014 was at the Nolan Ryan Center on the campus of Alvin Community College.

When City Manager Sereniah Breland was hired in May 2015, she began providing input on the state of the city, even proving comic relief with former Alvin city clerk Tommy Peebles during a video presentation in 2015.

Economic Development Director Larry Buehler, who has been at the helm for more than a decade, also began providing details during the address the past three years.

2014 address Horn, who had been mayor for three months, announced that Memorial Hermann’s Medical Group was moving to Alvin and opening operation in the summer of 2015. It eventually opened at the intersection of Bypass 35 and SH 6.

In the home sector, most things he said did come to fruition.

Saratoga Homes would be the new builder in the Kendall Lakes subdivision, there would be 60 new lots in Mustang Crossing, and a new section planned for development in Forest Heights.

But, the mobilization of equipment and the beginning of infrastructure work for Heritage South development didn’t work out.

Heritage South was unique in that it would have been Alvin’s newest retailer. Instead, all that has been constructed is a thru road and a deep hole for a detention pond.

He boasted about the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, which was made up of a citizens advisory committee, planning commission and his own city council. The city had just completed a new economic development strategic plan with business leaders providing input.

“There are many other initiatives and successes coming our way; it is the council’s goal for Alvin to continue a solid pattern of quality growth,” Horn said. “This is in part to the people living and working here.”

2015 address According to the city at the time, a few indicators that there was “positive” growth in Alvin were the number of permits issued. There had been $24.1 million worth of new residential permits and another $18 million in commercial permits.

Horn said the city continued to experience sales tax growth as well – stating that it was up 24.5 percent from five years ago. Property values were also up from half a decade ago – 20.5 percent. He also said that the hotel occupancy tax had seen an 89 percent growth rate from five years ago.

Much of this is attributed to new growth, Horn added.

Regarding transportation, Horn, who had been mayor for a year and a half, didn’t steer away from mentioning transportation and how Alvin would benefit from a SH 288 tollway and future highway expansions like a SH 35 tollway and the Grand Parkway.

Breland said the Texas Department of Transportation had provided capital investment of close to $10 million on Alvin roadways in the past year.

There were seven additional retail projects in the works and six sites under construction.

Buehler had a presentation with logos of Burger King and Wing Stop, businesses that one day would eventually move to Alvin.

2016 address Empereon Constar moved in where Dish Network was once located and Buehler made mention of it during his presentation.

When Dish moved away, it presented some challenges for Alvin officials because of the hundreds of people that would be laid off. It would only be for a few months before Empereon would move in.

“It happened really fast; we worked with the chamber and Alvin Community College,” Buehler said.

Horn also spoke about construction projects like Mustang Road, the Kost detention at South Street and south water tower, among other things. Mustang Road has enhanced road conditions along Gordon Street, and the detention center proved to be very effective during Tropical Storm Harvey, resulting in South Street being free from heavy flooding for the first time in memory.

There were also announcements made about a

new McCoy’s Building Supply and adjacent retail space along FM 517. As the end of 2017 nears, McCoy’s is still being constructed.

2017 address The three spoke about the effects of TS Harvey. There are 52 weeks in the year, but the lone week that Harvey pounded Southeast Texas caused many Alvinites and businesses to suffer.

It was for this reason that the theme for this address was “A Community Strong Because of the People.”

More than two dozen city employees were in attendance to listen to the address at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Oct. 12, hearing Horn say, “Our community is working hard together as we go through the recovery period after the (tropical storm).”

According to the city, there were 168 water-related rescues, saving 260 people utilizing fire, EMS police and other staff.

There were 32 volunteer firefighters working during rescue missions.

Breland said six city facilities were damaged from Harvey. All 42 lift stations, with the exception of three, were effected and in need of repair.

But, it was the 51 other weeks of the year that Horn reminded attendees why Alvin is in the sound position it is fiscally.

“Our community is growing; our sales tax continues to rise year after year, up 7 percent this year,” he said.

According to the city, sales tax revenue has accounted for more than $6.5 million so far in 2017.

He urged anyone who has the means to bring more lodging to the city to do so. When speaking on the benefits of the city’s annual hotel occupancy tax dollars, it has stayed at around $300,000 each of the past three years because additional hotels/ motels haven’t opened.

Horn mentioned the wastewater treatment plant, roads, detention ponds and water towers, including interlocal agreements with governmental entities such as Brazoria County and the Brazoria County Conservation & Reclamation District No. 3.

Buehler said partnerships with AMACC, the Alvin Independent School District, Alvin Community College and Brazoria County are “vital” to

the city.

Commissioners Ryan Cade and Stacy Adams, AISD Superintendent Dr. Buck Gilcrease and ACC Executive Director of Development Wendy Del Bello were in attendance to hear Buehler speak about these partnerships.

Three subdivisions comprising a total of 140 acres will be the site of 200 new homes being built in Alvin in the coming years, Buehler added.

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER

Wednesday, November 29 2:00 - 8:00 PM 713 W Adoue St. Alvin, TX 77511

Burger Barn is expanding with Manvel!

Come See Our Newly Renovated Dining Room

Mayor Paul Horn, from left, City Manager Sereniah Breland and Economic Development Director Larry Buehler accept the Reader's Choice Award from the Alvin Advertiser.

(Staff photo by Albert Villegas)

GO MAV’S Home of the Monster Burger

Happy Hour 2pm-7pm Best Burgers & Wings • Enchiladas • Chicken Fried Steak Fried Pickles • Jalapenos • Mushrooms & Much Much More Open seven days a week | Dine in or Drive Thru

19405 Hwy 6 • Manvel, TX 77578 281-489-3200 | www.TheBurgerBarn.net

6

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Dalmolins, Kona Ice try to give back

By David Money Staff Writer

Italian Cuisine composed with French & Sicilian styles of cooking & flavor • Italian Classics Specialties and Pizza Pies

Executive Express Lunch - $8.99

832-569-5314

Corner of 528 & 518 • 129 W. Parkwood Friendswood Sun. - Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm • Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm

Billy Dalmolin is a fulltime firefighter in LaPorte. He is also a volunteer with the Alvin Fire Department and has a family.

Even with all that in place, he felt he still had more to offer.

So with the help of his wife, Mary Jo, who is equally busy going to college, working at Tegeler Career Center in Pasadena and family life, he started looking for extra opportunities.

The couple had talked about taking on a business of some kind before finding Kona Ice. “I used to eat snow cones at Sno Country three times a week,” Mary Jo said. “I thought wouldn’t it be awesome if we had our own snow cone truck.”

Billy said he liked the idea of self-serve.

So one day, he looked online to see what would come up.

“I typed in snow cone truck

and Kona Ice popped up,” he said.

He found out that Kona Ice is a company that gives back to the communities the company serves.

He and his wife liked that and thought it was just the ticket for them.

“I realized it was a kind of business that we could build and give back to the community at the same time,” Billy said.

“My passion is helping children,” Mary Jo said. “The beauty about Kona is being able to help schools with needed supplies. There is a lot of need in schools.”

The Dalmolins have been doing that since February of this year.

“Our goal is to raise funds needed to support our school systems with the necessary equipment and materials to function successfully and strengthen the foundation of our children,” Billy said.

Mary Jo Dalmolin serves second-grader Chukwudi Njeako a Kona Ice treat during a party at Red Duke Elementary last month.

Chukwudi is a student of Malinda Wilson whose class was selected

by Kona Ice for a free party.

(Staff photo by David Money) The Dalmolins’ franchise serves school districts that include Alvin Independent School District within the Manvel city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction. It also serves the school districts

of Danbury, Clear Creek, Fort Bend and Hitchcock.

“Since Feb. 20, our franchise has given back over $7,500 to the communities we serve,” Billy said. “I look at it as a small business making a big impact.”

AMOCO Federal Credit Union continues to grow, give back Being a credit union means upholding many responsibilities, both financially and socially.

AMOCO Federal Credit Union not only provides a secure place for its members’ money, but is also a credit union that is committed to giving back to its community. The credit union philosophy, “People Helping People,” is a saying that AMOCO heavily believes in and practices, according to a news release from the credit union.

For the past 79 years, the credit union has grown from $28,000 in assets and 169 members to $820 million in assets and over 81,000 members.

In 1947, AMOCO expanded for the first time to include employees of Amoco Chemicals in Texas City, an Amoco (Pan American) subsidiary. Currently, AMOCO has expanded from

Galveston County to both Harris and Brazoria counties with 10 locations and over 500 Select Partners. The Select Partners consist of businesses, associations and organizations.

Being affiliated with one of the Select Partners makes you eligible to join AMOCO. Since opening the Alvin location in March, the credit union has been so thankful to have been welcomed with open arms. The members mean a lot to the company, and staff strives to make members’ experience with the credit union a great one.

As AMOCO continues to grow, the small-hometown approach will remain. Members come first, and that’s something that will never change.

For more information about AMOCO visit, www.

AMOCOfcu.org.

Don't miss out on any local news Visit www.alvinsun.net every day for the latest news

7

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

See You In March 2018!

1113 S. Johnson • Alvin (Right across from Alvin High School)

Weight Loss Program!

FAMILY PRACTICE CLINIC OF ALVIN 711 W. Sidnor Alvin, TX 77511 Call 281-331-5953

To Schedule An Appointment Saturday Appointments Available.

Thank You For Choosing

as your “Best Auto Repair Shop” (State Recognized Emission Repair Facility)

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

AC, Suspension, Computer Diagnostics and Complete Auto Repair

2017

ASE MASTER TECHS

2301 S. Gordon / Alvin, TX 77511 / 281-331-5781

When You Think

Propane Gas

PROPANE THINK

Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend 94 Years in Business (1922 - 2016) Birdlife M ON .-S AT . 8 A . M .25TOlb6 P . M . • SUN. 10 A . M . TO 5 P . M .

Corner of Willis & Taylor Streets

$ 8.99 281-331-4491

Kerosene

8.95 Horse Mule 10% $9.95 Ful-O-Pep 12-8 $9.50 Super Beef Developer $10.50 $

Creep 14%

50 Lb. BAG DEER CORN

ELIZABETH H. NELSON CPA TAX, ACCOUNTING, PAYROLL AND LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES BETH@NELSONCPAFIRM.COM

20351 Highway 6 P.O. Box 650 Manvel, TX 77578

Phone: (281) 489-0388 Fax: (281) 489-1024

$

6.50

Bulk Fertilizer Fertilizer and Rye Grass Mixing Available At Your Local Stanton’s Feed & Seed

Nitro Phos 8-12-16 Fall Special Fertilizer

19.95

$

Barricade Preemergence Herbicide $

14.99

Eagle Turf Fungicide $

19.99

95 Years in Business (1922 - 2017) M O N .-S AT . 8

A.M. TO

6

P.M.

•

SUN. 10

A.M. TO

C o r n e r o f W i l l i s & Ta y l o r S t r e e t s

5

P.M.

281-331-4491

8

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Alvin coach Robin Foster inducted into soccer hall of fame

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor Touted as a no nonsense person, who always gave 100 percent with a straight forward, up front, practical, fun loving and energetic approach, Alvin High School instructor Robin Foster was inducted into the South Texas Youth Soccer Association’s Hall of Fame last summer.

Foster, who was inducted along with William “Bill” Forest and Jesse Harrell, was quite surprised by the honor, which took place at the Clear Lake Hilton in July.

Criteria for the candidates included serving the youth a minimum of 10 years in an administrative capacity, at a club, member association or higher level in South Texas; and serving the youth a minimum of 15 years in a coaching capacity that should include a combined 10 years of STYSA state level coaching (ODP coach at the state, regional or national levels and/or serving as a STYSA coaching education instructor.)

“I really didn’t think this would happen, because they only have 37 people in their hall of fame,” said Foster, who coached at the youth, high school and competitive levels.

“It was very exciting. I was nominated in February or March and then the induction took place during a STX meeting in July. They basically cited all of my contributions to the organization.”

Those contributions featured Foster serving as a coach, a member of the state coaching training staff, a referee, a club board member, an association board member, district

“I really didn’t think this would happen, because they only have 37 people in their hall of fame. It was very exciting. I was nominated in February or March and then the induction took place during a STX meeting in July. They basically cited all of my contributions to the organization.”

Robin Foster On being inducted into South Texas Youth Soccer Association's Hall of Fame administrator and state committee volunteer over the past 25 years. Foster also coached the Alvin Lady Yellowjacket varsity and junior varsity squads during the mid 1990s.

Foster signed up her children with the Alvin Youth Soccer Club during the latter time frame and became involved with the organization as a secretary, club fundraising coordinator and as a board member. Foster then moved on to the association level with Bay Area Youth Soccer and held the executive vice president and president positions, taking active roles in coaching instruction and was a member of the STYSA state coaching staff, as well.

STYSA registrar Shirley McGraw cited Foster’s “love of the game” and the contagious way she taught it to others as good for the game in her

nomination letter to the HOF committee.

While being retired from her soccer duties for the past three years, Foster is still the lead teacher for AP Macroeconomics and AP Human Geography at Alvin High School and is still referred to as “coach” by many of her former players.

Foster also enjoys now watching her daughter Ashley coach soccer and her reactions to parents.

“That’s the fun part, watching her complain about soccer parents and how loud they are on the sidelines,” she said. “It hasn’t changed since she was a kid. It’s kind of funny because she kind of fell into soccer.

“It’s great when you see your kids playing soccer and now that they’re in their 30’s, they have developed a huge love for the game and are instilling it into their kids.”

For the latest in Alvin, Manvel and Pearland sports news, follow www.alvinsun.net

Alvin High School teacher and former girls’ soccer coach Robin Foster was inducted into the South Texas Youth Soccer Association’s Hall of Fame last July. Foster is pictured with STYSA president Chris Delay.

(Courtesy photo)

ALVIN PROUD/ALVIN STRONG CAR SHOPPING MADE EASY WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

3205 FM 528, ALVIN, TX • RONCARTER.COM • 281-331-8111

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

Business Expo

9

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

Brazos Primary And Urgent Care

Keeping You and Your Family Healthy

Monday-Friday 9:30-6:00 p.m.

Family Medicine & Urgent Care Occupational Medicine Internal Medicine

Brazos Primary And Urgent Care

ALL MAJOR Insurance Accepted Discount pricing for cash pay patients

15030 Highway 6 Rosharon, TX 77583 281-972-9202 Brazosmedicalgroup.com

Walk-Ins Welcome No Appointments Necessary

It was a night of dancing and fun when the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce hosted the Business Expo and Taste of the Town.

Local businesses, including Remax/American Dream, below right, were honored during the ceremony. Remax/American Dream won the People's Choice Award at the expo.

(Photos by David Money)

Support The Advertisers Who Bring You This Special Section.

Capture Lasting Memories!

It’s Your Day! • Weddings • Holiday Parties • Anniversaries • Corporate Lunches • Birthday Parties • Organization Events • Retirement Parties • Bridal/Baby Shower’s

785 CR 539 • Alvin

Donnaseventcenter.com

10

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Alvin powerlifters rise to the occasion at state meet

By Stephen Collins Sports Editor “They rose to the occasion.

It’s very challenging and there’s a lot of pressure out there, but they handled themselves and the pressure well.”

While Alvin High School powerlifting coach Joel De La Paz was describing the performances of senior Diego Gallegos and sophomore

Matthew Longoria at last spring’s state meet in Abilene, the above assessment also provided an accurate summary of the duo’s accomplishments during the entire season, as well.

Competing at regionals at Katy on March 4, Gallegos proceeded to capture the boys’ individual title in the 114-pound weight class to gain a state meet berth.

I

n 1952, George R. Pyburn saw a need within the new southeast Houston community of Almeda, and also saw an opportunity.

Several of George’s neighbors needed wells for their new homes since city services were not available at the time. Having worked in the east Texas oilfields from 1928-1939, Pyburn knew a few things about drilling - and decided this was something he would like to try. He purchased a used drilling rig mounted on an old 1943 Ford truck, and Almeda Water Well Service was established.

Customized to Meet Your Individual Needs C A L L TO S C H E D U L E WELL MAINTENANCE Mike Pyburn - State Lic. 2843A1

Getting to state for a second straight season wasn’t satisfying enough for the senior this time around, as Gallegos entered the state meet competition on a mission. Diego finished sixth at the 2016 state meet with limited mobility due to a shoulder injury.

Fully healthy a year later, though, Gallegos broke AHS school records for his division at the 2017 event in the squat (385 pounds), bench press (235 pounds), deadlift (410 pounds) and overall lift total (1,030 pounds) to claim a silver medal.

“I was going in there to win, not break any records,” Gallegos said. “A lot of things have to happen for you to win. I had to start out light and see what the judging was. I had to make sure all my lifts were correct and not get in a pace, where I got too ahead of myself.”

Like his Alvin teammate, Longoria also emerged as the regional champion in his weight class (123) and captured a silver medal at state, while breaking a record in the process.

Longoria shattered the state record for the bench press by 5 pounds in the 123-pound weight class division with a 305-pound lift, also earning outstanding meet honors in the event. The previous mark was held by Dickinson’s Kenny Nguyen, who lifted 300 pounds in the bench press at the 2012 state

meet.

“It felt good to me and it’s the best I’ve ever done,” Longoria said. “I had some support from my family and other people.

Coach DeLaPaz has also helped me for two years to get that weight.

“I knew (during lifts) that I had a good chance to beat the record.”

Longoria was far through on the record-breaking front, though.

Matt delivered personal bests in the both the squat (412 pounds) and deadlift (402 pounds) events to claim thirdplace honors at the USAPL Men’s and Teen Nationals May 19 in Orlando. He just missed medaling with a fourth-place performance at the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) World Open SubJunior & Masters Bench Press Championships May 25 in Kaunas, Lithuania. However, Longoria still established another personal best in the bench press at 325 pounds and also enjoyed a memorable overseas trip, thanks to the outpouring of community support prior to the journey.

Longoria then went on to break the 132-pound weight class record in the bench press with a lift of 331.7 pounds at the USAPL National Bench Press Championships last month in Killeen.

Alvin High School powerlifters Matthew Longoria (left) and Diego Gallegos entered the record books and also turned in medalwinning performances for the Yellowjackets at the state meet in Abilene in March.

(Courtesy photo)

New Manvel businesses Rise Communities take New Businesses from Maxicare home pair of Star Awards October 2016 to present National Crane Each year, the Texas Association of Builders bestows Star Awards to the industry’s best work throughout the state.

In 2017, Rise Communities won two of the most prestigious awards in home-building, Developer of the Year and Best Community Over 20 Acres, for

Meridiana.

“No question, we’re proud of the acknowledgement,” said a spokesman in a news release.

The Star Awards have been around since 1992 and are the only statewide tribute to excellence in the building industry.

Make It Personal Luxury Palapas Manvel Antiques Manvel Insurance Puntode Encuentro Church Ernie Smith and

Son’s Roofing Allstate Insurance

Brazoria County Fairgrounds • November 18 & 19

Pride Arms EZ Line added a new building ETJ Southfork Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Circle K

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

11

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

Park Your Appetite At the Garage Bar & Grill An ACC student checks her work during a Process Technology class.

(Photo courtesy of ACC)

ACC Process Tech Program certified As local petrochemical companies infuse billions of dollars into industry, Alvin Community College is certified for its Process Technology program.

The North American Process Technology Alliance awarded the ACC program an endorsement for meeting the group’s standards for education. NAPTA is a consortium of colleges, educators and industrial leaders that work together to develop curriculums for process technology education.

“Receiving their endorsement is our assurance that we are maintaining standards for our Process Technology program to ensure we are producing quality graduates and are successfully involved in the development of a diverse, qualified process technology talent pool to meet workforce needs in North America,” said Vic Kalsey, ACC Process Technology chair.

Like all ACC programs, Process Technology, or PTEC, strives to ensure that classroom instruction closely mirrors what graduates will see in the workforce, and a certification from NAPTA demonstrates just that, he said.

“Receipt of the 2017 endorsement means that the Process Technology Department at ACC has met the high standards established by the organization,” Kalsey said.

The certification lasts for an entire year. Local industrial firms regard the certification as an indication that ACC grads are highly qualified.

“NAPTA audits process technology degree programs in North America,” Kalsey said.

“They perform on-site audits of facilities, training materials and evaluation methods. NAPTA endorses those that meet its criteria.”

Weekly Specials

Overwhelmed by your MEDICARE OPTIONS!

WING WEDNESDAY (Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak with Fries and Green Beans Special)

TACO TUESDAYS (Lunch: Cheese Burger and Fries Special)

THURSDAY STEAK NIGHT (Lunch: 855 NY Strip Steak Special)

FISH FRIDAY (Ask for “Lunch Special of the Day”)

Hours:

Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. I can help you find the Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget.

Melba “Toast” Cortez General Mgr. Come by & Say “Hi!”

FREE CONSULTATION. Call today for personalized service!

936-499-8763 Mary Ann Stanko Licensed Insurance Agent

mstanko@healthmarkets.com

112 S. Gordon, Ste. D Alvin, TX 77511

Never miss an issue of the Alvin Advertiser

If for some reason you do not receive your Advertiser at home, please call us at (281) 331-4421 or stop by 570 Dula St. to let us know.

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MEATLOAF MONDAY (Lunch: 10 ct Fried Shrimp Basket Special)

This is an advertisement. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is the d/b/a, or assumed name, of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. which is licensed as a insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state.

HMIA000554

Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Catering Available 1755 North Bypass 35 • Alvin, TX 77511 281-824-4000 www.garagebarandgrillalvin.com

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! November Line Up

11/17 11/18 11/24 11/25 11/26

Rat Ranch Legendary Rhythm Bandits Thanksgiving Level One Blue Knights Toys for Tots Drive

December Line Up

12/1 12/2 12/8 12/9

12/15 12/16 12/22 12/23 12/29 12/30

David Joel Rat Ranch Chris Boise Junior Gordon (collecting toys for Christmas) Al White Storybook Road Allen Henderson & Texas Ice House Band MOJO Faction Band Troy McManus Level One

Coming 2018

Vince King ( Impersonator) celebrating Elvis Presley Birthday January 4 Wade Hayes and Holly Tucker (Best Female Vocalist in Texas) January 12 Jake Worthington February 23

Please check our Facebook for updates & more artist to come.

12/31 New Year’s Party RAT RANCH TICKETS 50.00 RESERVED SEATING! Includes appetizer & champagne Toast

12

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Phoenix Millwork breaks ground

On Sept. 13, Phoenix Millwork, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 55,000-plus square foot manufacturing facility in Liverpool. Phoenix will be employing approximately 100 workers. Pictured in the front row are Les Hansen, retired executive VP/CFO; Mark Hamilton, president; Bill Strickland, mayor of Liverpool; Lori Biehle, VP/CFO; and Jack Taylor, investor. Phoenix employees joined the festivities.

(Courtesy photo)

Alvin Equipment becomes the go to place

Southern Comfort Food

“We also have Gifts, Jewelry, Unique Crosses, Hats, Accessories & Christmas Wreaths.”

SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO BRING YOU THIS SPECIAL SECTION.

When a company has a long history of doing business in a professional way it soon finds a reputation of being the “Go To” place for even more customers.

That’s what we’ve found to be true through many decades of serving our customers here at Alvin Equipment Company.

It all started in 1952 when Jack Beaver and Riley Godwin purchased Aaberg Truck and Tractor Company, the local International Harvester dealership.

While Godwin served as general manager of the dealership, Beaver continued to operate his dairy operation, while also being involved in the dealership’s operations.

He and his family shipped grade milk out of the area for more than 50 years before stopping in 1973.

Both men were involved in many community organizations and leadership positions throughout their careers including the Alvin ISD School Board, Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce, several farm organizations, chairman of the

SAVE THE DATE! JOIN US ON

Saturday, February 10, 2018 for the

17TH ANNUAL

Alvin ISD Education Foundation Turtle Race & Family Fun Run 5K & Kids 1K National Oak Park - Alvin Fun Run starts at 9 a.m.

Booths open at 10 a.m. / Turtles race at Noon To adopt a turtle(s), be a sponsor, or rent a booth contact the Alvin ISD Education Foundation office at 281-331-2586 mpurcell@alvinisd.net www.alvinisd.net/educationfoundation Advertisement sponsored by TDEC, Inc. Electrical Contractor

Alvin Equipment Company has been a mainstay in Alvin for more than half a century and remains the "go to" place for many shoppers in the community. The business continues to grow and provide more services to its customers.

(Courtesy photo) trustees of First United Methodist Church of Alvin, Brazoria County Fair Board, Galveston County Fair Board, Alvin Noon Lions Club and South Park Baptist Church.

They built and moved to their current location, a modern 32,000-foot facility, in 1976.

At that point, International Harvester was their main line.

They carried IH’s farm machinery, construction machinery and trucks and served the farmers, construction companies and homeowners.

Today, the business sells and services the Kubota line of equipment, LS Tractors, Hyundai Construction Equipment, Ranch King trailers, Dressta Construction Equipment, Land Pride mowers and attachments, Modern galvanized mowers and attachments, Rhino mowers and attachments, and International

truck parts along with many other short lines. Their ultimate goal is excellent customer service and satisfaction.

The business is 65 years old and still going strong after three generations of Beaver family’s dedication to serving you, their customers.

Their mission is to be an innovative leader in construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and consumer equipment industry by providing solutions that drive customer success.

The business is located at 3375 E. SH 6 in Alvin.

“We have employees that live in Alvin, Manvel, Texas City, Pearland, Friendswood, Hitchcock and Santa Fe. The person with the most seniority is our parts manager, Lloyd Hancock. He’s been with AEC since 1991, that’s 26 years! We pride ourselves with having a

Schedule your event at the

Brazoria Heritage Foundation 202 W. Smith St. Brazoria, TX

979-799-8543

very knowledgable and friendly staff. Our salesman Rickey Kubeczka is a past commissioner for Brazoria County C&R No. 3 and is a past president of the Alvin Rotary Club, while I have recently served on the board of directors of the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce,” said company president Chad Beaver, who is a third-generation owner.

Beaver said that 2017 has been a very good year and that he is excited about the prospect of 2018 business, as well.

“Alvin is staged to be a major growth market for business. As more and more folks find out about what the Alvin-Manvel area has to offer, they will need the products and services that lots of area businesses offer,” he said.

“The recent remodeling of our showroom has been a real positive for us and for our customers. We have been pleasantly surprised by the number of supportive comments we receive due to the restructuring and makeover of the showroom and office areas” Beaver said.

“We have five departments: sales, parts, service, rental and administrative, each with its own manager,” he said.

The business phone is 281331-3177 and the website is www.alvinequipment.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017, THE ALVIN ADVERTISER

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

HOT Committee agrees to help Alvin organizations

By Albert Villegas Staff Reporter The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee was birthed in 2015 when the idea to create a group of stakeholders and/or citizens was discussed by elected leaders.

Like many committees who handle HOT money in other municipalities, the funds would be for the express purpose of providing funds to organizations whose monies would be used to bring people to Alvin and be enticed to stay overnight in hotels/motels.

Presently, Alvin has eight hotels/motels. As 2017 comes to an end, there are no signs that number will change, according to city officials.

“But, we are always on the radar of other hoteliers,” said Dixie Roberts, spokesperson for the city of Alvin.

As a result of Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Harvey, many of the lodging businesses have been able to house victims in their businesses but on the federal government’s dime.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allowed victims to live in Alvin hotel/motel rooms for weeks, and some for months at a time, which in turn creates more dollars for HOT funds.

In its first year of operation in August 2017, the HOT Committee was told by Alvin city staff it had $54,000 to use out of the fiscal year 2018’s “major events” account.

The HOT Committee voted to recommend issuing $52,850 to six organizations, which plan to have public events and, more importantly, bring in outside visitors to those events.

Among the organizations that were present and the amounts they were allotted are as follows: Beneezy Purple Monkey Fun Run ($2,850), Alvin Sunrise Rotary for Music Festival and BBQ Cook-Off ($30,000), Alvin Community College for Alvin Live Summer Concert Series ($2,000), Alvin Community College for Echocardiography Symposium ($2,000), Alvin Museum Society for Nolan Ryan/Alvin schools permanent exhibit and rental of two traveling exhibits ($6,000) and Rotary Club of

Alvin for 44th Annual Frontier Day ($10,000).

The funds were in keeping with what some of these organizations had asked for in the past few years before a HOT Committee was organized, according to the city.

When the Alvin City Council approved to move forward with these funds for FY 2018 during its November regular meeting, leaders left it open to increase funding for these organizations.

They also hope it will get other civic organizations and entities across Alvin to come up with ideas of their own to bring visitors to Alvin.

“We want to make sure that (organizations) are asking for what they need,” Councilman Keith Thompson said.

13

INTERIOR REMODELING FOR HOMES AND OFFICES Custom Made Laminate Countertops Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry

FREE ESTIMATES CALL TODAY!

281-245-6243

www.bunkyandsonconstruction.com

Member of the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce

“...and Let’s Toast to New Beginnings!”

Longtime Alvin events like Frontier Days, above, and the Purple Monkey Fun Run, below, will get an assist in the coming year after the Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee agreed to help fund the events.

(File photos)

Angel Tree of Remembrance Service

December 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Come place an angel ornament on our tree in celebration of the life of your loved one.

300 Oak Park Dr. • Alvin 281-331-8217 frobergfuneralhomeatoakpark.com

Complimentary angel ornaments will be provided or you may bring your own.

14

PROFILES: Business/Industry/Finance

THE ALVIN ADVERTISER, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

LyondellBasell’s plant recognized with safety, community awards LyondellBasell’s Chocolate Bayou Polymers Plant this year was recognized with several safety and community awards, including the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers’ 2016 Elite Silver Safety Award for excellent safety performance and program innovation.

Additionally, the site received United Way of Brazoria County’s 2016 Award of Excellence for helping the nonprofit raise more than $55,000.

Other awards and recognition in 2017 include: • Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Programs’ 2016 Star of Excellence Region IV;

• American Chemistry Council‘s 2016 Responsible Care Facility Certificate of Excellence; • City of Alvin – Office of Mayor award and proclamation for volunteer labor hours at Ruben Adame Park; and • LyondellBasell’s internal GoalZERO 2016 Bright Star Award for two years without a recordable injury.

“Since our plant’s inception nearly 40 years ago, running a safe operation and making a difference in our community has been the cornerstone of everything we do,” said Greg Gray, site manager at LyondellBasell Chocolate Bayou Polymers Plant. “I’m proud of our employees and

their focus on safety and passion for helping our neighbors in need.”

Employees devote time and resources annually to support initiatives in the community.

This year, employee volunteers built raised garden beds to give wheelchair-bound students at Hood-Case Elementary School in Alvin ISD better access to the school’s plants and vegetables and repaired a solar panel that powers the school’s water well.

Volunteers from the plant also performed mock job interviews with college students at Alvin Community College to help prepare them for careers in the chemicals and refining industries.

The plant further supports Alvin Community College by sponsoring its Process Technology Training program.

At its Chocolate Bayou Polymers Plant, LyondellBasell produces high-density polyethylene, a plastic used in automotive parts, food packaging and personal care products.

LyondellBasell is one of the

largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world.

Driven by its 13,000 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile

pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road.

LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world’s largest licensor of polyolefin and polypropylene technologies.

More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com.

ALVIN ROTARY WISHES The Alvin Rotary Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of our Novemberfest Celebration featuring Alvin’s largest & best car show ever. Thank you, also everyone who came out to support. Please help our community by supporting the following sponsors.

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

Ron Carter Automotive Center GOLD SPONSOR:

Texas Advantage Community Bank

LyondellBasell’s employees and contractors in Chocolate Bayou and their families work with students from Alvin High School’s National Honor Society and the athletic department to build raised garden beds for wheelchair-bound Hood-Case Elementary students. The raised garden beds will provide students better access to the school’s plants and vegetables. Volunteers also filled the raised garden beds with soil, constructed a wheelchair accessible path and repaired a solar panel that powers the school’s water well. The volunteer work was completed as part of LyondellBasell’s annual Global Care Day. Below, LyondellBasell Chocolate Bayou Site Manager Greg Gray (middle) receives the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers 2016 Elite Silver Safety Award for the site’s excellent safety performance and program innovation.

(Courtesy photos)

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS: Alvin Animal Clinic HomeTown Bank of Alvin Roxana and David Boudreaux

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

Alvin Equipment Company, Inc. Amoco Federal Credit Union Chocolate Bayou Federal Credit Union Claron Salter - Clark State Farm Insurance Edward Jones Investments - Kelly Hayes Jeter Memorial Funeral Home JSC Federal Credit Union Matt Sebesta - Brazoria County Judge Scott Funeral Home Stacy L. Adams - Brazoria County Commissioner Pct. 3

“It’s good to be First Since 1958” Clute • Lake Jackson • Manvel

• Online Banking • Deposit Services • VISA Check Card

• Commercial Loans • Cash Management • Personal Loans

Come Visit Our Friendly Employees Today at Our Beautiful Location in the Heart of Manvel. 281-489-3131

19323 Highway 6 Manvel, Texas 77578

Never miss an issue of the Alvin Advertiser If for some reason you do not receive your Advertiser at home, please call us at (281) 3314421 or stop by 570 Dula St. to let us know