District J: The Pollard Press

 

There’s not much else to say about the year 2020 that hasn’t been said already. We all know about the trials and tribulations, the fear, anticipation and anxiety we’ve all faced in one way or another. Personally, I like to look back on this year in a more positive, grateful and even thankful perspective. I do believe that if you could find the positive in any situation then you can persevere through adversity. Read More

 

Council Member Pollard had the honor of presenting a proclamation to Pastor Clinton Johns at the Living Word Fellowship Church. Besides leading various ministries at the church, Pastor Johns has also been inducted into the Negro Southern Baseball League Hall of Fame, and he was recognized for decades of service as the director of athletics for youth sports in Pleasantville.

 

Residents in Braeburn Valley got creative for their latest Homeowners Association Meeting. They met outdoors as a way of staying connected while also being safe. Council Member Pollard was on hand for the meeting and gave remarks about street and drainage improvements, illegal dumping and other issues important to the betterment of District J. 

 

Police reform is a topic on the minds of many Houstonians. In order to achieve better policing, we must have better training. Our city now has a state-of-the-art training venue for Houston Police Department officers, named the Fertitta Family Tactical Facility. Businessman Tilman Fertitta contributed $2.5 million of the $10 million project. The facility officially opened this month.

 

Completing the census was critically important for the city of Houston and for District J. There were so many people behind the scenes who helped the District J office reach many of our residents, especially those in hard-to-reach places, such as apartment complexes. Council Member Pollard and his staff showed appreciation to census workers and volunteers by presenting each of them an official city recognition. They were instrumental in helping raise participation numbers in our district.

 

The Thanksgiving holiday was made a little brighter for some families in need. Council Member Pollard worked alongside volunteers to give away free turkeys and side items at the Operation Turkey in a Trunk event, organized by the Bee Busy Wellness Center. Over 1,000 families received the food and free on-site screenings by health care professionals.

 

The City of Houston honored servicemen and women from the U.S. Armed Forces during a Veterans Day celebration. The 23rd Annual Houston Salutes American Heroes took place at City Hall, where a swearing-in ceremony was held for military recruits. Representatives from each branch of the military were on hand for the event along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dr. Steven Hall, director of the Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs, and other dignitaries.

 

District J partnered with AT&T, Indus Management, and Bridging the Digital Divide to sponsor a computer lab at StoneHaven Apartments to assist with virtual learning. The event was open to all tenants in need, who received free backpacks, books, school supplies, PPE, health screenings and groceries. Council Member Pollard’s mission is to engage each area of District J so it will no longer be labeled an underserved community. Events such as this are another step in the right direction of fulfilling that mission.

 

Council Member Pollard attended the Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner for Law Enforcement hosted by Houston Citizen’s Police Academy and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The dinner was held at the police gymnasium at 51 Resiner Street and lasted until 2 pm so that officers of all shifts had an opportunity to stop by and get a plate. This annual dinner is to honor and give recognition to law enforcement officers from all agencies across Harris County. Council Member Pollard spent the evening visiting with the officers and listening to them talk about the challenges they face everyday. Nothing sparks good conversation and dialogue on important issues more than delicious food. 

 

The District J Office partnered with Universal Church Sharpstown location and Pastor Dennis Ferreira, to host a flag football tournament for local youth at Bayland Park. The tournament targeted inner city youth from all across the Houston area. Council Member Pollard believes during these times we must keep our youth busy with constructive and active things to do as well as provide guidance and mentorship. The tournament consisted of 8 teams and the winning team received trophies.

 

Members of the District J staff joined Sharpstown Park Alliance, Houston Independent School District and other volunteers in helping with a beautification project at Ed White Elementary School. The event was to support the school in its efforts to build a community garden.

 

City Council approved a new program funded by the CARES Act, which helps Houstonians in need. Residents in 31 zip codes can apply to receive free meals from nearby restaurants and catering companies, spearheaded by Lemond Kitchen. The relief program has a budget of $2.2 million and is expected to deliver up to 20,000 meals per week through the end of 2020. For more information, visit www.lemondkitchen.com/hers-program.

 

Residents in the Gulfton Super Neighborhood can now enjoy newly replaced picnic tables in Burnett-Bayland Park. The installation included concrete slabs for nine tables. The Houston Parks Board coordinated with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department to oversee the project.

 

Thanks to the Houston Public Works for repairing cracked street panels in the Braeburn Valley West area. Residents traveling in the area reported the problem, which was exacerbated by weather changes and vehicles passing through the area.

 

When a District J senior citizen was in need of help removing a large amount of tree waste, the Solid Waste Management crew of Larry Turner, Hayden Rankine and Gerald Walkins got to work. Council Member Pollard extends a special thanks to this crew for providing outstanding service, as well as gratitude to Charmaine Le Blanc of the Sharpstown Civic Association for bring this issue to our attention and always looking for alternative ways to help our seniors! Also, special thanks to Solid Waste Management Senior Supervisor James Bennett and Assistant Director Anthony Bowie.

 

A resident reported an incident of illegal dumping on Bonhomme between Beechnut and Troulon. Thanks to the Solid Waste Department for removing the debris and cleaning up the area.