Bike Lanes, Pedestrian Route Improvements
on Deerwood Recently Completed

Side path completed: A dedicated two-way bike lane, pedestrian and bike lane signs, and public art have transformed Deerwood Drive.


Crews have finished work on Deerwood Drive as part of a 2.25-mile "side path" that will improve connections to the Terry Hershey Trail, while improving roadway conditions that connect the Walnut Bend neighborhood to the West Sam Houston Tollway frontage road.

This improvement was first identified in Westchase District's 2016 Ped/Bike plan which identified pedestrian and bicycling needs and prioritized improvements. "This project quickly rose to the top of the priority list because of the heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic in this corridor," said Irma Sanchez, Westchase District vice president of projects.

The completed project is highlighted in a video on the District's YouTube channel. In addition to the Deerwood project, you can read more about the District's other side path projects including CityWest and Elmside/Woodchase Trail.


nonPareil Serves Adults with Autism, Builds On Mission


Students at nonPareil bring high tech skills as they learn tools for the workforce.

People with autism experience challenges that might not be obvious. Imagine you're an adult with autism. You can drive to a college campus. But upon arriving, a full parking lot stirs anxiety, fear, mistrust and a lost feeling - causing you to go home.

"This happens," said Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE and chief development officer at nonPareil's Houston campus in Westchase District. That's why nonPareil wants to make learning more accessible than before for adults with autism. "We expanded programs, creating a learning environment that meets the education and support needs of our 85 Houston students," said Blacketer. Read More


Refining Ramen: Ramen Jin Top Stop for Noodle Lovers

A heaping bowl of Tonkatsu ramen at Ramen Jin packs bold broth and flavor.

As those living on shoe-string budgets during college can attest, instant ramen is a common staple in every dorm room mini-refrigerator. Easy to cook with boiling water or a microwave, mass production makes ramen even cheaper to buy.

With his restaurant Ramen Jin, restaurateur and chef Brian Chen is changing how we think about ramen noodles. Ramen Jin isn't serving your coed's noodles. Chen's ramen is notched up, Japanese style made with hand-pulled wheat noodles in chicken or pork stock. Read More

 Thursdays @ 3 p.m. *Rain or shine* St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church
10503 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77042 (at Rogerdale, just west of Beltway 8)


Farmers Market Welcomes New Vendors


Candice Wheat of The Lavish Goat (left) sells natural body products free of chemicals and toxins. You'll find pecan pie (right) part of the baked and pastry creations from Uptown Bakes.

Thanks to a variety of vendors continuing to join us and newcomers to the scene, the Westchase District Farmers Market continues to feature one of the area's best open-air experiences, according to Culture Map. The market is pleased to welcome The Lavish Goat and Uptown Bakes. The Lavish Goat sells bath bombs, bar soaps, shower steamers and shower bombs made for awakening your senses with rejuvenating scents and skin pleasing sensations. Uptown Bakes is the creation of pastry chef and artist Azarah Rodriguez who describes her desserts as an art form: "The art of flavor. The art of originality. The art of satisfaction."

This Thursday is Earth Day, making it another reason to come out to the market to shop products made fresh by Mother Earth. There are old and new discoveries at the market. Experience and discover for yourself this week, from 3 - 7 p.m.

 


Mayor's Hire Houston Youth Portal Opens for Summer Employment Opportunities



While summer is a time for youth to gain work experience, it's also when employers can invest in youth. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is encouraging the private sector and nonprofit community to support Hire Houston Youth (HHY), a program that provides access to employment opportunities for young people ages 16-24. 

In its 6th year, the HHY program has served more than 26,000 youth through internship, apprenticeship and job opportunities since 2016. Find out more at hirehoustonyouth.org



WHAM Virtual Spring Dash Registration Open

Spring Dash runners' annual participation raises important proceeds for WHAM and provides the joy of taking part in a fitness activity.


Are you ready for Spring Dash 5K/1K 2021? Registration is now open. Run or walk for a cause to help West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) fight hunger and poverty. Spring Dash will be held virtually for the second year in a row and participants can walk/run anytime from Friday, June 4 to Sunday, June 6. 

You can run or walk at your own pace and at any place of your choosing. WHAM encourages participants to invite their kids, grandparents, dogs, and friends and make Spring Dash a team-building activity or family affair.

All who register will receive a finisher medal, t-shirt, bib and a swag bag filled with goodies and sponsor gifts.  Westchase District Community Fund is a proud community sponsor of Spring Dash. Photos are welcome and participants can tag WHAM on social media using #whamspringdash and @whamministries. Anyone tagging will be automatically entered to win an Amazon or Target gift card. 


About Westchase District
Westchase District is a municipal management district funded by local property owners in a 4.2 square-mile area centered on Sam Houston Tollway between I-10 and US-59 on the west side of Houston, Texas. 

The district promotes growth by enhancing: 
  • Mobility
  • Beautification 
  • Public Safety
  • Planning and Development

 

Have District-related news? 

Send it with your contact info to:cjacinto@westchasedistrict.com. 

 

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