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September 2014

Annual Fresno Volunteer Fire Department
BBQ & GUN RAFFLE FUNDRAISER              Saturday September 13th
Serving begins at 11 am. Raffle at 1pm.Call 281 431 2451 for details on raffle items. All proceeds go towards the purchase of LIFESAVING equipment.

FIVE TO SIX HUNDRED POUNDS OF HONEY AND A MILLION BEES
         The crew of the Gotcha Pest Control, working with the District K city council office,  cleaned out the former Almeda Plaza clubhouse which was a haven for the bees.

GRAND OPENING OF ANGEL LANE COMMUNITY CENTER
Behind the Glen Iris subdivision, 65 homes were built, thanks to a donation of  land and “Oprah’s angel Network”, Habitat for Humanity for people left homeless because of the 2005 Katrina hurricane. In August 2014 a community center was completed for the residents.

Houston Libraries and Park Facilities Will Become Smoke Free September 2nd
We want the residents of our city to think of each library location as a safe, healthy, family-friendly and welcoming environment. These "No Smoking Zones" will help us meet this goal," states Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Houston Public Library Director.

The Houston Bar Association offers a FREE legal hotline called Legal Line
Call on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The LegalLine Program has been available to Houston area residents since 1985. This hotline service allows constituents to access an attorney free of charge. For more information about the LegalLine Program, contact Lucy Fraga Fisher Cain with the Houston Bar Association at 713-759-1133 or via e-mail at lucyf@hba.org.
The above information came from the  District K e-newsletter. If you would like to contact Council Member Green call the Dist. K. office at 832 393 3016.


Almeda Elementary new principal Edward Cuevas was born in Chicago in 1973 and came to Houston five years later. His mother inspired him to go into the field of education. She has worked 25 years as a teacher’s aid and at the age of 63, she is studying to complete the hours needed for a degree.
Cuevas wife, his Reagan High School sweetheart, teaches pre-k and cares for their two daughters. Like her husband she is a U. of H. graduate.
Cuevas taught a bilingual class for grades 1st-4th for ten years, then for two years, he was the 6th grade assistant principal at Hartman Middle School before coming to Almeda. “I am excited,” he says, about the opportunities we have here to improve.”
‘A new beginning’ is the new Almeda school motto for Mr. Cuevas, Almeda’s  45 classroom teachers, and over 800 students. Cuevas agrees with what the principal at Hartman taught him, “I don’t have the power to change the world, but I have the power to change my school by providing effective leadership.”

TIME TO SPEAK UP
         On September 9th and 16th meetings will be held at Arcola City Hall  for a budget hearing and a proposed tax rate. Now is the time to let your city council members know your concerns, not after they pass the budget and a new tax rate. Attend the hearings on the 9th and 16th.
         On September 29th Mayor Anderson will present the State of Arcola to the Sugarland Chamber of Commerce and let business companies know that Arcola can provide a good place to start a business.

Candidate for Justice of Peace
You can meet Karen Mendoza at the Mustang Community Center park 4521 Hwy. 521, on Sat. Sept 20th. She is running for Justice of Peace in Prec. 1 Place 2.



Debbie Johnson enjoyed reeling in this  7.03 pounds of speckled trout even though it wasn’t quite big enough to win  a prize.


aLMEDA MOE
Moe asked Bill Gates how he got so successful. Gates said that he surrounded himself with smart people. How do you know they are smart, asked Moe. I’ll show you, said Gates. Hey Charlie, if your parents have a child and it isn’t your brother or sister who is it? That’s easy said Charlie, it’s me. Moe went home and asked Fresno Joe. If your parents have a child and it isn’t your brother or sister who is it?  Joe didn’t know so he asked his friend, Jim. Jim replied, that’s easy, it’s me. Joe rushed back to Moe and said I know who it is. It’s Jim. No you idiot said Moe, “It’s Charlie! 

FREE “SAT” PRACTICE TEST
Sat. Sept 13,  10 am to 2:15 pm,  at Sienna Branch library. Full-length practice SAT test. Registration required. Go online at  (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch Library,” and find the program or call the library at 281-238-2952 to register.


MEETINGS
Hiram Clarke PIP meets at 4363 West Fuqua  2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Fresno Water Board  meets Sep.18th at  First Baptist Church Fresno 4501 Hwy. 521 at 6pm. 

PLAN NOW
National Night Out is the first Tue. in Oct.


CONDOLENCES
Richard Harry Martini  February 11, 1925  August 1, 2014. A son of the German immigration into Texas, he left the farm life as a teenager to make his own way. He realized working for himself was the only way to accomplish what he wanted. His business began with a dump truck and long hours leading to numerous business concerns including the landfill off of Hooper Road. Three generations were involved in his life's work. Predeceased by his wife, Bette, and five of his six siblings, he is survived by  a daughter Nancy/Bob Cowan; son, Richard A./Lauren Martini; 4 grandchildren and 2 greats.

Charles Eugene “Bubba” Harrison
December 11 1954-August 3, 2014
Charles grew up in the Almeda area and was baptized at Almeda Baptist Church. A bat boy for the Houston Astros, he graduated from Madison High School where his primary interest was in FFA. Charles was also a Master Mason of the 32nd Degree, serving in the Bellaire Masonic Lodge. Preceded in death by his mother, Maxie Charlene Harrison, he is survived by his father, Gene G. Harrison, his wife, Linda Harrison of Katy, daughters: Trina Argo and Darlene "DD" Stordal; sisters: Pamela Harrison/Micheal Collum and Terry/David Nixon; numerous grandchildren, and a nephew. Please make any donations to Shriners Hospital Houston.

Beverly Jean Strauss died peacefully at home August 10, 2014. A past president of a senior women’s group at Almeda U. Methodist. She is survived by sons Robert and Tom; grandchildren Rachel, Reed, Jill, Chris, Strauss, Damion; greats  Rosie and Sean.

Jay Donald Monrad      1929 to August 2014
Jay grew up on a dairy. The dairy pasture later became Monrad street. For many years, he and his wife  traveled the U. S singing gospel songs. Predeceased by his parents Charlie/Audree, a daughter, Donna Jean, and a sister, Louise, Jay is survived by his wife, Opal; sister, Caroline Mayfield,  and four children.

ELISABETH MASTERSON MATTINGLY 80
Born October 20, 1933,  Elisabeth awoke from a coma, turned to her husband of 61 years and said, “I love you” with her last breathe August 17, 2014.
One of Almeda’s brightest students, Elisabeth attended Rice College (University now). She is survived by her husband, Gary, and three daughters.

AURORA VELA RIVERA January 7, 1941-August 15, 2014. The ninth of 12 children, Aurora learned to work hard as her father was a sharecropper. In 1984, she married Braulio Rivera. They lived behind Pyburn’s Grocery where she worked in the meat department for 20 years. Predeceased by eight of her siblings, she is survived by her husband, Braulio Rivera, children: Samuel/Elizabeth Mata Jr., Sylvia Mata, Joel/Velma Mata, Susanna Mata; twelve grandchildren and nineteen greats. She kept her faith.    


BOND ISSUE
Ft. Bend ISD is asking voters on Nov. 4th to approve a $484 bond proposal. Register to vote 30 days before the election.
You can pick up registration applications at the library, city hall, and post offices.

ROAST BEEF RECIPE
Place a small roast beside a large roast in a pan. Turn heat to 350 degrees. When the small roast burns, the large roast is done.
            By Gracie Allen


ARE YOU CONTENT?
         If you had the nicest house in the world, the car of your dreams, great health, fantastic job, the sweetest spouse, and almost perfect kids, would you be content?  Without all that nice stuff Hebrews 13:5 says, “Be content with such as you have.”
         Money runs out before the bills get paid, you got a cranky spouse, you have poor health and the Bible says BE CONTENT. Is that possible? It is if you take in consideration the rest of that verse which says, “for I will never leave you nor forsake you.” When we consider that Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, is with us, the importance of everything else fades by comparison. If we are discontented, griping and complaining, it is like saying, God, you, and all you do for me is not enough.

Akzo Nobel #1 on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index
The DJSI is a means of establishing benchmarks for companies by which they could track and compare their social environmental and economic performance toward a more responsible business model, using sustainability endeavors to create more value with fewer resources which include people, as well as natural resources.   Among goals was the reduction of the plant’s carbon footprint by 25-30% by 2020. Boilers that have been in the plant since the 50’s were modified.  A heat recovery process is used to collect condensate and return it to the process, a project that yielded 30% in savings.

Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act,”             Dietrich Bonheoffer, he spoke against Hitler.

Pick up a copy of the history of the area of Almeda at Debbie’s Barber Shop (next to Parker’s Hardware) in the 14000 block of Almeda Road for $12 or have a copy mailed to you for $14.50. Send a check to Our News
 P. O. Box 450336 Houston, TX 77245
The book is $12 Postage $2.50
call 713 433 1098 for more info












   


August2014

TWENTY YEARS 
         “Here is $100. When it is gone you forget about this idea of having a newspaper,” Cotton Andrews said. That $100 dwindled but this issue completes 20 years of Our News coming your way.
         In that first issue of September 1994, typed on a typewriter, the news was about Pastor Cannon at Almeda Baptist, Ann Harvey the principal at Almeda School, George Bush running for governor against Ann Richards and Debbie Johnson who had just completed 16 years of cutting hair in Almeda. Make that 36 years now.
RIGHT HERE IN ALMEDA
Parker’s Hardware has been in business as a hardware store since the 40’s and I just found out after driving all the way to Hwy. 35 that Parker’s sells glass. Wish I had known before I drove 30 miles. Jason, who works at Parker’s says, “We give good customer service too.





ALMEDA’S FIRST POST OFFICE BUILDING
Rosa Chapman stands in the doorway of the post office in 1935. The mail was delivered by a Greyhound bus, although in earlier years by train. The two-story house in back belonged to Mr. Fordyce who had also served as postmaster when the office was inside his store. Both buildings were located between what is now Pyburn’s and Kountry Kubbard. Between 1893 to 1959 the “office” was in several locations. After Houston annexed most of the area that was considered to be Almeda, the post office was moved inside the  Houston city limits in ‘59, taking the town of Almeda off the map.


NEW PRINCIPAL AT ALMEDA SCHOOL
         Edward Cuevas will be the new principal starting the school year at Almeda Elementary. Max Pope left for health reasons to return to South Carolina.
FROM ARCOLA MAYOR ANDERSON
         I thank all the people who voted for me and I’ll be working to resolve their issues. I heard their concerns. To those who didn’t vote for me, I hope to win their confidence. If they have any questions I have an open door policy. Call and I’ll set up a time to meet.
Arcola will be getting a new city manager and  police chief. Rene Silva is serving as the interim police chief. Silva has about 14 years experience in police work and has been a full time officer in Arcola since January. Currently Arcola has five full time officers, one part time and one reserve officer. The City of Arcola is participating in the Fort Bend County Department of Social Services WALK WITH PRIDE SHOE PROGRAM.  Applications are available at Arcola City Hall; 13222 Highway 6; Arcola, Texas 77583.  Please turn in your name and telephone number to the staff in the front office.  Application deadline is August 1, 2014. 
 FRESNO FRESH WATER DISTRICT I
Fresno property owners are paying 10 cents per 100 valuation to the water board. 75% of the tax has gone to pay off debt and 25% is used for expansion. The water board recently voted to reduce the debt payment to 50% and use 50% for expansion. The proposal will be on the ballot in November for the public to approve or reject.
The debt has been reduced and the fees for water cover all the cost to maintain the system.
A past operator put in some plastic lines to the meters. They will be corrected with copper lines as required. The next water board meeting will be held at the Fresno First Baptist Church next to Mustang Park on Aug. 21st at 6pm. The community center is being remodeled.
PROTECT US FROM CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Consumer Financial Protection bureau Agency is renovating their headquarters, which they rent. The estimated cost is $215 million to build a four story high glass staircase, a two story waterfall and a few other amenities like a sunken garden. If you get a chance to go to Washington DC, be sure and tell them you appreciate how they protect your of tax dollars.
 Coushatta Casino Trip
A bus will arrive at 7:30 am and return 7:30pm at the Mustang Center in Fresno for anyone over 21 years old for a $20 roundtrip to Coushatta on August 23rd. Must pay by Aug. 9th at Arcola City Hall. Call Doris Swetman at 832 641 1280.
Chevron Station on Anderson
Manager Mike hopes to open August 1st with a grand opening soon to follow.
Almeda moe 
Moe had a flat tire. He jacked up the car but when he bent down to take off the nuts he noticed something under the car so he crawled under the car to see what it was. His foot accidently knocked the jack over and the car fell on him. Moe was rushed to the hospital. “Thank goodness I just got insurance,” thought Moe. But then he got a notice from the insurance company that said, “Anybody who did what you did would have to be a moron. We consider that a pre-existing condition. Your policy does not cover pre-existing conditions.”
 COMING SOON
Look for a City of Houston program called Second Chance designed to put people to work, who can’t get a job because of a prison record.
Child Evangelism Fellowship
CEF is now in 188 countries reaching over 15,612,330 children around the world. CEF trains Christians how to reach children by conducting Good News Clubs in homes, apartments and schools. Training is also great  for parents and  Sunday School teachers. A training class starts August 9th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Abiding Faith Methodist Church at 14300 Almeda School Road. The class is free and lunch will be provided but call Mary Walker at 281 235 2423 so she will know how many to prepare for.
HELP SAVE A LIFE
Pregnant woman in need of help can call 800 974 3622 or go online to help@pregnancyhelpcenter.org The center is located at 327 Garland Drive in Lake Jackson. If you shop at Kroger’s, you can help by enrolling in Kroger’s Community Reward  and designate the Pregnancy Help Center of Brazosport.
 Condolences
MIKE RODRIGUEZ JR.  passed away July 3, 2014. He had served as an Arcola Police Officer for 18 years.
TOM TUFFLY passed away July 6, 2014. Tom served many years as a member of  Arcola city council before and after he was elected mayor in May of 2006. Preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Frances, in June 6, 2012, he is survived by one son, Herbert Mckinzie and six grandchildren.
SHIRLEY JANE WENDT
July 19, 1931—July 16, 2014
Shirley grew up in Almeda. She never had many luxuries, but a good woman blessed with a good husband and five fine children. Preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Wendt, a sister, Doris, and a brother, Buddy Rumfola, Shirley is survived by  Elmer Jr./Nita, Robert, Joe/Gail, William/Sandy, Dianna/Brian Brantley;  sister, Barbara; brother, Donald; 15 grandchildren, numerous greats, and great, great grandchildren.  
JOHN WILSON BORDEN JR.
Born August 27, 1942, John went to be with his Lord and Savior  July 21, 2014. He was medically retired from the United States Navy in 1962, then  worked for Western Electric / Southwestern Bell for 35 years, retiring in 1997. He was a Charter Member and Chairman of the Deacons at First Baptist Church Fresno. John was instrumental in forming the Fresh Water Supply District No. 1, serving as it's president for 14 years. He is an Endowed Member and Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of Texas affiliated with Lodge Number 1295. Preceded in death by his daughter Beverly Bryant and granddaughter Natalie Davis, John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol Ann Borden, Sister, Bobbie Hatcher, Sons: John/Cyndi, Stephen/Vige; daughter, Jeannie Lea Neal, 10 grandchildren and 3 greats. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Food and Clothing Pantry at First Baptist Church Fresno, 4501 F.M. 521, Fresno, Texas 77545. 

 ARE YOU PRAYING ILLEGALLY?
         What right do you have to come before the Creator of the universe and ask for anything? One prayer Jesus approved of was, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” Luke 18:13.
         Jesus gave instructions to his disciples to pray “Our Father, who art in heaven…”Matthew 6:9. Have you ever thought about the privilege we have to call the all powerful, all knowing Creator, our Father? That right comes to us by way of the cross. When we believe in Jesus, and receive Him into our lives, he gives us the power or right to become the children of God...John 1:12. As a child of God, we have been invited to approach Our Father who dearly loves His children with our request in the name of Jesus. That name is like a key that unlocks the door to heaven. It doesn’t mean to just say, “in Jesus name” at the tail end of a prayer. It means to pray according to His character, according to His will trusting that an all wise and all good God will give us the best answer to our request even if the best answer in light of eternity might be no.
From the foot of the cross we can legally pray because it was there we are forgiven and cleaned from our sins.  
Quotes from Will Rogers
There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.