Salata Kingwood donated 50% of the proceeds made on opening day to help support Seth Haynes, a Creekwood Middle School student who was seriously injured earlier this year after being struck by a car while riding his bike.

  

Council Member Martin thanks Salata for already showing strong support for our local community, and looks forward to seeing their great success!

On July 18 the Lake Houston Area Chamber hosted their Salute to Healthcare Luncheon which honored a group of healthcare workers from the community. The finalists included Marcia Callarman, Rosalie A. Conry, Anita Smith, Brian Miller, Roderic Johnson, and Mallory Gessner-Wharton. Marcia Callarman took home the award for Nurse of the Year, and Dr. Brian Miller was named Healthcare Professional of the Year.

 

President and CEO of Community Health Choice, Ken Jada, spoke about the non-profit managed care organization which provides innovative health insurance plans focused on low-income families. Council Member Martin extends his gratitude to all the finalists and appreciates all they do for our community. 

On Tuesday, July 25 Council Member Martin and staff traveled to the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UH-CL) campus to present Dr. William Staples with a proclamation in honor of his retirement. Dr. Staples has served 22 years as President of the UH-CL campus , serving previously as the School of Business coordinator, program director, associate dean and dean. 

 

Dr. Staples became the fourth president of University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1995. During Staples' tenure as president, UH-CL has built vital partnerships in and around the community, developed new academic programs and expanded the university's endowment.

 

His leadership has set the stage for key initiatives that have taken the UH-CL experience beyond the classroom and into the community. It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Staples and we wish him a happy retirement.

On Wednesday, July 26 staff from Council Member Martin's office attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon. The program featured KPRC 2's Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley, who educated the attendees on the history of past hurricanes, and our future forecast. While we still have a few months left of hurricane season, it is important to be prepared in case of emergency. 

For more information and tips on how to stay prepared, please visit the City of Houston's Office of Emergency website. 

On July 27 Council Member Martin attended the Houston Contractors Association Monthly Luncheon. The luncheon's featured speaker was David Mincberg, chairman of the Houston First Corporation. 

Mr. Mincberg spoke about Houston First's vision and efforts to enrich the lives of Houstonians by promoting the region as a destination for tourism and convention business. The organization also works to attract film production to the area and operates theaters where world-class performances take center stage, all while managing outdoor spaces where festivals and other activities thrive.

To learn more about Houston First and all they do in and around the city visit www.houstonfirst.com. 

On Thursday, July 27 Council Member Dave Martin along with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) hosted the "First Serve" - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the new sand volleyball pit located in Oak Meadow Park.

 

In 2017, Council Member Martin allocated more than $60,000 of his Council District Service Funds towards improvements at Oak Meadow Park. Through partnership with HPARD and the Oak Meadow Civic Club, our office was able to facilitate the improvement of the sand volleyball pit. Other renovations at the park included the purchase of 15 new picnic tables, the installation of a walking path around the park, as well as an upgrade to existing playground equipment. 

 

Council Member Martin is excited to welcome the community members to the new sand volleyball pit and encourage residents to get outside and stay active. 

On July 28 Council Member Martin had the opportunity to participate in the KHOU Pack  Your Bag Challenge filming presented by Visit Houston. This year's challenge took place at Lake Houston Wilderness Park, located in District E, and was aired live during a segment on Great Day Houston. 

The contest featured two people competing for a grand prize Houston staycation complete with an overnight stay at the Hyatt Regency Houston as well as tickets to some of Houston's most exciting attractions through  CityPass.

 

Council Member Martin always enjoys participating in this fun event, and thanks KHOU and Visit Houston for getting the community involved!

On Monday, July 31 the City of Houston's Public Works & Engineering Department (PWE) began performing an asphalt overlay along Easthaven Boulevard, from College Avenue to Canniff Street. Due to varying conditions of the roadway, the project will be split into two separate sections: College Avenue to Tallyho Road and Tallyho Road to Canniff Street. Work on these two sections will be completed in phases, with the project beginning at College Avenue. Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of November 2017.

 

PWE will be removing portions of the existing asphalt surface, repairing the deteriorated bases, and laying a new asphalt surface. Intermittent lane closures are to be expected throughout the project. There will be a total road closure from Tallyho Road to Canniff Street for the duration of the project, diverting traffic to Mosely Road.

 

Repairs are scheduled to begin in the southbound lane of Easthaven Boulevard, from College Avenue to Canniff Street. Although, construction activities behind closed areas may occur from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., construction equipment movement in the driving lanes will be limited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m in an effort to reduce as much traffic buildup as possible.

 

During the project, reduced speed in the construction area should be expected. However, there will be access to businesses at all times. Additionally, there will be limited street parking throughout the project. To ensure driver and worker safety, flaggers and Houston Police Department Officers will be on site during construction hours to direct traffic and assist with any emergencies. 

Founded in honor of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who gave his life while serving in Iraq in 2009, the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) assists American veterans and the families of the fallen in addition to organizing a number of charitable initiatives including the 9/11 Heroes Run.  Interested participants can register online 

here. 

 

The 9/11 Heroes Run is more than the race, there are opportunities to become a foundation ambassador. TMF's Character Does Matter Program provides veterans and their families with an opportunity to inspire young adults to develop their leadership skills, live with character, and call them to serve within their communities in honor of fallen hearos. For more information on the foundation click here.