VOLUME 6, NO. 49 (#253) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018Serving all of the North Shore -- Channelview, Sheldon, Galena Park, Jacinto City

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Alvarado Wins Election for Texas Senate

North Shore Mustangs headed to Semifinals

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CHARLOTTE’SWEB

By Charlotte Jackson

Earlier this week, Iserved as the PresidingJudge at one of the Pre-cincts located in SenateDistrict 6. There were only33 eligible voters who casttheir ballot at our location,as well as three who need-ed to visit another location.In addition, we had eightlocal residents who tooktime out of their busy dayto stop in to vote. Unfor-tunately, they reside inSenate District 15 andwere not eligible to vote inthis Special Election.

Several of those whovoted asked how were theElection Workers chosen.Some of them did not real-ize the workers were paid.Some were under the mis-conception that you had tobe retired to work. As weexplained to them, I real-ized that perhaps therewere others with thesesame questions.

If you are a RegisteredVoter, you can contact theHarris County Clerk’s Of-fice and ask to be added to

Civic Involvementthe list of those who are in-terested in working futureelections. Typically, if yourvoting precinct has anelected Precinct Chair,they are contacted to serveas the Presiding Judge forthe upcoming election.They are then responsiblefor recruiting workers.

People ask why wouldsomeone spend 12 – 14hours on Election Dayworking for $10 an hour.To me, it is something thatI learned early in life.When I was a Senior atNorth Shore Senior High,my Government Teacher,Ms Mary Lou Dillard,handed each student anapplication to become aregistered voter. She didthis the first week of ourSenior year. She then re-turned it to us 30 days be-fore our 18th birthday sowe could verify that theinformation was still cor-rect. Then she mailed it tothe County Clerk’s Office.She taught us throughoutthat year that if you did

not take the time to vote,you would not have theright to complain is theelected leaders did notwork for you.

When I went off to theUniversity of Texas, I hadan amazing class that com-bined American Historyand Government. The twoinstructors, who were ofcomplete opposite politicalviews, taught us to respectthose who did not agreebut to get involved. Makea difference.

Later after coming towork for San Jacinto Col-lege, I had a colleague thatencouraged her students tohelp fill those empty Pre-cinct Chair positions in ourcommunity. She came tome after realizing my areawas not represented.About the same time,someone who worked for alocal Senator told me aboutworking as an ElectionClerk. And so my journeybegan.

See Civic Involvement,Page 6

Local Fire Departments, schooldistrict partner for Christmas toy drive

DeZavala Elementary School students showed their appreciation to the Channelview FireDepartment and the Cloverleaf Fire Department during the 5th Annual Toy Drive.

Channelview Indepen-dent School District wasproud to partner with theChannelview Fire Depart-ment and the CloverleafFire Department for theAnnual Community ToyDrive. The joyful eventtook place at Panera Breadon Saturday, December8th, 2018. Holiday tunesfilled the air as Channel-view ISD choirs fromBrown Elementary, Cobb

Precinct 3 Constables donated items for families in the NorthChannel Community.See Toy Drive, Page 6

The North Shore Mustangs football team defeated Cy-Fair High School this past Friday andhave advanced to the 6A Semifinal Playoff Game!They will take on Lake Travis High School on Saturday, December 15 at NRG Stadium.Game time is 2:00 p.m.Presale tickets, which are $6 for students and $11 for adults, are available at the GPISDAthletic Office on Thursday, December 6 and Friday, December 7 from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00p.m. All tickets at the gate will be $15. Parking at NRG will be $12 and is cash ONLY.Go Mustangs!

By Allan Jamail

Saturday, December 8,2018 at NRG Stadium theNorth Shore Mustangs re-mained undefeated endingthe season for the Cy-Fair

Bobcats, the 2017 reigning6 A Division II state cham-pions, 38 to 21.

The new 6 A Division 1Region III Champion Mus-tangs (14-0) will play Aus-tin’s Lake TravisCavaliers’ (13-1) at 2 PMSaturday, December 15 atNRG Stadium in the state

Photo by Allan JamailNorth Shore’s offensive line opens up a big hole for ZachEvans (#3) on a 15 yard touchdown run. Evans had 4 rushingtouchdowns and one pass receiving TD.

semifinals. This game is apart of the 2018 FootballState Championships -2018 Football Conference6A D1 tournament.

Mustang Coach Jon Kaysaid about the Bobcats,“They’re a well coached

team that executes andplays hard. They won astate championship lastyear and came here to win.We still have a ways to go;we didn’t set our sights onwinning a regional cham-pionship. We set our sights

See North ShoreMustangs, Page 3

U.S. CongressmanGene Green to delivercommencementaddress Fallgraduation

United States CongressmanGene Green will deliver thecommencement address at theSan Jacinto College fall com-mencement ceremonyon Sun-day, Dec. 16, 2018, at 2 p.m.,at Minute Maid Park.

Green, who represents the29th Congressional District ofTexas, was first elected to Con-gress in 1992 after 20 years inthe Texas House of Represen-tatives and the Texas Senate.

See theMUSTANG

Supporters in theSPOTLIGHT

Page 6

CAROL ALVARADO celebrates her election victory Tuesdaynight at her watch party at the Raven Tower.

Photo Michael Wyka

HARRIS COUNTY –State Representative Car-ol Alvarado, D-Houston,was the winner of a specialelection held Tuesday De-cember 11, to fill the seatin the Texas Senate Dis-trict 6, vacated by SylviaGarcia.

There were four candi-dates running for the posi-tion. Alvarado finishedwith just over 50.4% toavoid a run-off. Democrat-ic State RepresentativeAna Hernandez received24% of the vote, Republi-can Martha Fierro 23%,and Democrat Mia Mundy2.1%.

Turnout was light, with

only 5% of the eligible vot-ers turning out.

Alvarado had run beforefor this position in 2013 ina special election, against5 other candidates. SylviaGarcia won a run-offagainst Alvarado by over1000 votes.

Alvarado won votes inthe precincts that overlapher House District 145,and almost received asmany votes in Hernandez’sDistrict 143. Her cam-paign was backed by alarge budget, and she alsobenefitted from name rec-ognition both from her pre-vious campaign and hertime as City Councilwom-

an in the same areas asDistrict 6. In addition, herDistrict covered more ofDistrict 6 than Hernan-dez’s did.

Ana Hernandez will re-turn to the Texas House,having won that race inNovember. Alvarado willhave her term until Janu-ary 2021.

After her election wasapparent, a national wom-en’s rights organizationsupporting abortion rights,Emily’s List, issued astatement praising her vic-tory and saying she hadthe skill to work with Re-publicans on issues.

Page 2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

Carter~ConleyFuneralHome

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HappyHolidays

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From Our Family to Yours,Best Wishes for the New Year

Judge Joe Stephens and family

HIGHLANDSROTARY CLUB44nd AnnualCHILI FEASTFeb. 2, 2019Win a 2019 ChevyCamaro or ChevyEquinox SUVTickets $100Call 713-252-8000

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fill your home with love and joythrough the closeness of friends, family,and the comfort of home. And may ournation renew ourselves to serving the

least amongst us and treating oneanother with respect and dignity.

Wishing our educationpartners, district staff,

students and communitymembers a

Merry Christmas &Happy New Year!

Wishing You Happy Holidaysand a Prosperous New Year

Bill Palko, SVPCommunity and Business Development Manager

Wishing you a Merry

Christmas and

Happy New Year!

State Rep.

Ana Hernandez

***Dear Santa,It's been a few years

since I've been in touchwith you. I've made it tothe 12th grade, and mayI say, I think I've beendoing pretty well. I'vebeen maintaining goodgrades (A's and B's) inmost of my AP classes.I've joined many schoolclubs such as NationalHonor Society. Youshould be Proud of me asI got accepted into theUniversity of Houston(main campus). This wasone of the happiestmoments of this year. Myclasses begin at U of H,fall 2019 and I ambeyond excited but a tadnervous. With that beingsaid, this Christmas, Iwould like too have a fullride scholarship to theUniversity of Houston.Would you be able tohelp me with this? Or beable to pass my informa-tion along to one of yourelves that might knowsomeone to fulfill thewish. :) I've been prayingfor this answer for a verylong time... Santa, itwould be a great Honorif this really did cometrue. I am 18 years oldand I attend at GalenaPark High School. If I getthis scholarship, you betI'll make sure you havetwice as much milk andcookies next year!

Your Jolliest Friend, -Yadira

***Querido Santa,Cisiera que benga mi

Abuela y mi Abuelo ymis Tios y mis Tias yestavos muy Felizes ynos bivertimos mucho.

Osvaldo, 6SchochlerElementary

***Querido Santa,Me porter muy vine

este ano me tralles unamuneca de BeBe.

Emily, 6Schochler Elementary

***Dear Santa,How are you and

Mrs. Clause doing? I hopyou are doing well. I amdoing good in reading. Ireally need to try harderin math. Thank you forthe gifts last year. Thisyear have a LoL dollsand I will share it to myfriends and I will like tohave a alppe wach and Ireally need it to call mymom. When somethinggoes wrong so pls.

Zoey beth Valencia, 9

** **Dear Santa,How are you and Mrs.

Claus doing? I hope youhad a great year! I havebeen good I only got acouple conduct marks.Better than last year.Thank you for thepresints last year. Iwould like a nurf gunbullets and a nededo. If Igot that my heart wouldbe blown up. MerryChristmas.

Brycen Schryden, 8

***

Dear Santa,How are you

and Mrs. Clause doing? Ihope you are doing well?I have been doing goodwith reading! Thank youfor the tablet last year.This year I would want adoll. I would be sothankful for it. MerryChristmas. Don’t get sicky’all.

Kalli Olree, 8

** **Dear Santa,

How is every-thing going? I hope youare doing well! I try hardto be helpful. Thank you

for the stuf thatyou gave melast year! Ireally loved thepony! This yearI want a intenosich. It wodemake mehappy! MerryChristmas!

AnabellSalinas, 8

tLetters to Santa ttLetters to Santa t

***Dear Santa,

How is every-thing going? I’ve beenhelping my mom. I realylove the ipad. This year Iwold like a xbox one. Iwill love it! MerryChristmas!

Lane Landree, 8

** **Dear Santa,

I hope yourdoing well! I will be onmy best behaver. Thankyou for the gifts you gaveme last year. I woudlove a phone and it will make me so happy. Merry Chrismas Santa.

Madelyn Sebreh, 9

***Dear Santa,I want slime

for X-mas andsome lol dolls, abasketball and abasket basketball cort andshoes seize 1and scooter.

KimberlyAlvarez, 7 yearsold

SYLVIA R. GARCIA

Page 3THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018 NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

COMMUNITY NEWS

Photo by Allan Jamail Thursday, December 6, 2018, constuients from all over House District 143 came to enjoy food and refreshments with State Representative Ana Hernandez’ at her annual holiday openhouse.

The North Shore Senior High Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team won the Goose Creek MemorialTournament!In the first round, the Mustangs defeated Bellaire, 55-47. The Mustangs beat #22 in thestate, Beaumont United, with a score of 46-35 to advance to the semifinals, and defeatedSam Rayburn to move onto the Championship round, the final score was 52-43.In the Championship game, the Mustangs played #8 in the state, Sam Houston High School.In a hard fought battle, the Mustangs rose to victory over Sam Houston, the final score was48-47.“It was a great team effort and an emotional win for the boys,” Coach Benitez said.Congratulations to Coach Benitez and the Mustangs!

Rep. Ana Hernandez hosts Annual Holiday Open House

GALENA PARK ISDNorth Shore Senior High varsitybasketball team wins the Goose CreekMemorial tournamentEarly Childhood Devel-

opment is a critical time ina child’s life. Galena ParkISD (GPISD) wants to en-sure these critical develop-ment periods begin at theearliest age possible andare free of cost for our stu-dents. During the 2017-2018 school year, weopened the GPISD Pre-Kindergarten 3-Year-Oldprogram (Pre-K 3) at Ja-cinto City Elementary(JCE) and Tice Elementa-ry (Tice). Each site serves40 students; 20 Englishspeaking students in themorning and 20 bilingualEnglish learners in the af-ternoon.

We kicked off Pre-K 3 byhosting a Pre-K Round-Upevent during the 2017spring semester, which al-lowed early registration forstudents who met theState of Texas Pre-Kinder-garten Eligibility Require-ments and live within theGPISD community. Afterthe Round-Up, we had 161applicants and 156 of thosestudents met the state re-quirements. The studentswere then entered into alottery for the 80 availableslots. Each student select-ed received FREE tuitionfor the entire school year.

Galena Park ISD sees great success inPre-K 3-year-old program

Dr. Williams, superintendent of schools, with WoodlandAcres Elementary Pre-K 3 student, Genesis Rodriguez

After the first successfulyear of the Pre-K 3 pro-gram and JCE and Ticeand the overwhelming re-sponse from the communi-ty, we decided to open upan additional site thisschool year at WoodlandAcres Elementary.

Thus far, the Pre-K 3program has provided anurturing environmentand a solid foundation tohelp our young learnersachieve their fullest poten-tial. Through structuredplay, classroom routine andlessons; teachers arestrengthening the social

and emotional develop-ment of students while set-ting the foundation forlearning. The tailored Pre-K 3 curriculum and earlyexposure has positivelyhelped our students’ devel-opment and social skills; ithas certainly enhancedtheir oral language to helpprepare them for their ac-ademic career.

Registration informa-tion for the 2019-2020 Pre-Kindergarten Round-Upwill be posted on theGPISD webpage and socialmedia sites during thespring semester.

on being the best possibleteam we can be.”

North Shore’s successcan’t be given to the of-fense or defense, they’re awell balanced team as awhole on both sides of theball. Disciplined to executeas coached, this year’steam has the makings ofwinning a state champion-ship.

The upcoming gameagainst Lake Travis willtest North Shore’s passdefense. Pass defense exe-cution is going to be a keyfactor as they matchupagainst some of the state’sbest passing quarterbacks.

The Mustangs offensiveline executed so well it en-abled Zach Evans to make5 touchdowns, (TD’s) aver-aging 8 yards per carry for139 rushing yards. He ranfor 4 TD’s and caught apass for his 5th TD. Quar-terback Dematrius Davishad great pass protectionand completed 77 percentof his 22 passes for 267yards and ran for 112yards. The offense made 24first downs for 545 yards.

North Shore’s pass re-ceivers made 285 yards,Shadrach Banks 4 catchesfor 87 yards, Chance Pillar2 for 47 yards, Zach Evans3 for 39 yards and a TD,Dorian Manuel 1 for 32

yards, Charles King 2 for25 yards, John Gentry 2 for21 yards, Ajani Carter 1 for13 yards and Zorhan Ride-aux 2 for 8 yards.

John Villalobos, Mus-tangs junior kicker contin-ues perfect streak makingall five extra points and a19 yard field goal.

Mustang defense with-out question is a key fac-tor in the team’s success;

they kept the Bobcats to 3touchdowns for 21 pointswell below their 40 pointper game average. They’veonly allowed 153 pointsscored against them intheir 14 game winningstreak.

Game articles and pho-tos can be found at,www.northchannelstar.comsearch keyword Mustangs.Subscription available too.

Photo by Allan JamailNorth Shore’s 245 pound defensive lineman Jordan Revelswas all over the field stopping the Cy-Fair offense. Revelscame from behind the Bobcat blockers tackling runningback Jaelon Woods (#25) for a loss.

North Shore Mustangs,CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Page 4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

OPINION PAGE

STATE CAPITALHIGHLIGHTS

By Ed Sterling

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Editor & Publisher..............................Gilbert HoffmanAssociate Publisher.....................Mei-Ing Liu HoffmanAssoc. Editor/Advertising Manager.....Lewis SpearmanAssistant Editor.........................................Julieta PaitaProduction Manager...........................Luis HernandezIT Technical Manager.......................Pedro HernandezEntered as Periodicals Class at Highlands Post Office, Highlands, TX 77562. Under the Actof Congress of March 3, 1879. Published 50 weeks per year, on Thursday, by GrafikpressCorp., 5906 Star Lane, Houston, TX 77057. Opinions in this paper are those of the au-thors, and not necessarily this newspaper’s. Any erroneous statement which may appearwill be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. Liability for errors islimited to the reprinting of the corrected version. Submissions are encouraged, in person,by mail, by Fax, or by email, to grafikstar@aol.com.

GRAFIKPRESS is publisher of community newspapers, including Highlands STAR-CrosbyCOURIER; Barbers Hill Dayton PRESS; Northeast NEWS; North Forest NEWS, North Chan-nel STAR. Combined circulation of these newspapers exceeds 50,000, Readership exceeds110,000 according to industry standards. We also print dozens of school, ethnic, andgovernment publications on contract. Call for information to 713-977-2555.

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By FRANCIS P. CHURCH,First published in The New York Sun in 1897

We take pleasure in answering thus prominentlythe communication below, expressing at the sametime our great gratification that its faithful author isnumbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say thereis no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in TheSun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a SantaClaus?

VirginiaO’Hanlon

Virginia, yourlittle friends arewrong. They havebeen affected by theskepticism of askeptical age. Theydo not believeexcept they see.They think thatnothing can bewhich is not com-prehensible by theirlittle minds. Allminds, Virginia,whether they bemen’s or children’s,are little. In thisgreat universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant,in his intellect as compared with the boundless worldabout him, as measured by the intelligence capable ofgrasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists ascertainly as love and generosity and devotion exist,and you know that they abound and give to your lifeits highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would bethe world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be asdreary as if there were no Virginias. There would beno childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to maketolerable this existence. We should have no enjoy-ment, except in sense and sight. The eternal lightwith which childhood fills the world would be extin-guished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well notbelieve in fairies. You might get your papa to hiremen to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve tocatch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see SantaClaus coming down, what would that prove? Nobodysees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is noSanta Claus. The most real things in the world arethose that neither children nor men can see. Did youever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not,but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobodycan conceive or imagine all the wonders there areunseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see whatmakes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering theunseen world which not the strongest man, nor eventhe united strength of all the strongest men that everlived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love,romance, can push aside that curtain and view andpicture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it allreal? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothingelse real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and livesforever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10times 10,000 years from now, he will continue tomake glad the heart of childhood.

Francis P. Church’s editorial, “Yes Virginia, Thereis a Santa Claus” was an immediate sensation, andwent on to became one of the most famous editorialsever written. It first appeared in the The New YorkSun in 1897, almost a hundred years ago, and wasreprinted annually until 1949 when the paper wentout of business.

Virginia O’Hanlon went on to graduate fromHunter College with a Bachelor of Arts degree at age21. The following year she received her Master’s fromColumbia, and in 1912 she began teaching in the NewYork City school system, later becoming a principal.After 47 years, she retired as an educator. Through-out her life she received a steady stream of mail abouther Santa Claus letter, and to each reply she attachedan attractive printed copy of the Church editorial.Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas died on May 13, 1971, atthe age of 81, in a nursing home in Valatie, N.Y.

Yes, Virginia, Thereis a Santa Claus

Gilbert Hoffman, Architect713-977-2555

AUSTIN — Gov. GregAbbott on Dec. 3 pro-claimed Dec. 5 as an offi-cial day of mourning acrossthe Lone Star State in hon-or of former PresidentGeorge H.W. Bush, the41st president of the Unit-ed States, who died inHouston on Nov. 30.

In the proclamation,Abbott encouraged Texansto “gather, assemble andpay their respects to thememory of George HerbertWalker Bush through cer-emonies in homes, busi-nesses, public buildings,schools, places of worshipor other appropriate plac-es for public expression ofgrief and remembrance.”

The proclamation alsoallowed state employees toattend such observances.State agencies, offices anddepartments were closedon that day, with generalgovernment operationsand services maintainedby reduced-s ize workcrews.

The former president’sbody lay in state in theU.S. Capitol rotunda.Crowds viewed the casketand a 21-gun salute wasperformed. Official funer-al services were conductedat the National Cathedralin Washington, D.C., andthe body was transportedto Bush’s longtime homechurch, St. Martin’s Epis-copal Church in Houston,f o r f u n e r a l s e r v i c e s .Crowds lined the railroadtracks as a funeral traincarried the former presi-dent's body to College Sta-tion and its final restingplace at the George H.W.Bush Presidential Libraryon the Texas A&M Univer-sity campus.

Pablos resignsfrom post

Secretary of State Ro-lando Pablos, Texas’ chiefelections officer, has re-signed from office, effectiveDec. 15.

In his Dec. 6 letter ofresignation, Pablos wroteto Gov. Abbott: "With themidterm elections success-fully behind us and the86th legislative sessionaround the corner, I be-lieve this would be a goodtime to begin the processof transitioning out of myposition and passing thebaton to the next secretaryof state. Serving Texans assecretary of state has beenthe opportunity of a life-time, but I feel the need atthis time to turn my atten-

Texas, nation mourndeath of former president

tion to my private prac-tice.”

Abbott said Pablos “hasbeen a dedicated publicservant who has done anexceptional job upholdingthe integrity of our elec-t i o n s y s t e m . H e h a ss t r e n g t h e n e d T e x a s ’standing on the interna-tional stage by fosteringour cultural and economicties with countries aroundthe world. The State ofTexas is better for his ser-vice. I thank Rolando forhis commitment to ourgreat state and wish himand his family all thebest.”

Before serving as secre-tary of state, Pablos servedas chair of the Texas Rac-ing Commission, as amember of the Public Util-ity Commission and ashonorary consul to Spain.He also was founding chiefexecutive officer of ElPaso-based Borderplex Al-liance and Uriel Americas,a renewable energy com-pany.

AG joins anti-robocall group

Texas Attorney Gener-al Ken Paxton on Dec. 6announced he had joined40 state attorneys generalin an effort to stop or re-duce “irritating and poten-tially harmful robocalls”that telemarketers andpolitical campaigns mayuse to autodial the tele-phone numbers of privatecitizens and deliver re-corded messages.

“Unwanted phone callsare both a nuisance and aninvasion of privacy, andgrowing robocall scamscould cost Texans any-where from a few dollarsto their life savings. Thiscoalition is dedicated toprotecting citizens fromthese risks and engagingtelecom companies in anationwide effort to put anend to these intrusivecalls,” Paxton said.

Revenue totalincreases

Texas Comptro l l e rGlenn Hegar on Dec. 4said state sales tax reve-nue totaled $2.998 billion

in November, 7.7 percentmore than the amount re-ported for November2017.

“While slower than thedouble-digit pace of recentmonths, state sales taxrevenue growth in Novem-ber was strong,” Hegarsaid. “Increased tax collec-tions continue to be led byremittances from oil- andgas-related sectors, but ata slower pace than in re-cent months. Growth fromretail trade and restau-rants, the sectors mostdependent on consumerspending, was positive,but comparatively mod-est.”

The sales tax is thelargest source of statefunding for the state bud-get, accounting for 57 per-cent of all tax collections.

DSHS promotesflu shots

The Texas Departmentof State Health Services,in conjunction with Na-tional Influenza Vaccina-t ion Week, remindedTexans on Dec. 4 to pro-tect themselves and lovedones by getting immu-nized.

“Last flu season wassevere, and the U.S. sawa record number of flu-re-lated hospitalizations andpediatric deaths,” said Dr.Jennifer Shuford, DSHSinfectious disease medicalofficer. “We have no wayof knowing if this flu sea-son will be milder or justas severe as last season.We are recommending allTexans six months of ageand older get their flu vac-cine as soon as possible.”

T e x a n s m a y v i s i ttexasflu.org or contact ahealth care provider formore information.

Stress-FreeHolidayEntertainingTips

(Family Features)The holiday season ismeant for spendingquality time withfriends and family, notstressing out overhosting. With somesimple tips, you can cutdown on hectic prepara-tions while creating amemorable holiday fullof food and fun guestscan savor.

Consider thesesuggestions from theentertaining experts atReal California Milk:

Plan AheadHeading into your

seasonal soiree with aplan in place can helpavoid snafus. Make ashopping list of ingredi-ents and decorations.Then put together aschedule a few daysprior to the event tocover last-minutepreparations.

Elevate HolidayClassics

Elevating classicappetizers is a simpleway to savor theseason. A trend on therise, the Grazing Tablestarts with the table asthe canvas, addselements of the tradi-tional cheese boardthen takes it to the nextlevel with an arrange-ment of appetizers orbrunch dishes andseasonal decor. Anotherway to lift your holidayspread is using high-quality, authenticingredients like RealCalifornia Milk chees-es, made with milkfrom California dairyfarm families, whichare key ingredients inthis Sweet Citrus andSpice Cheese Board.

Prepare Dishesand Decorations inAdvance

Preparing for guestscan be one of the mosttime-consuming as-pects of hosting. Deco-rating at least a dayahead and setting thetable the night before,for example, can helpminimize stress.Welcome guests withholiday cheer andtrendy decor like avirtual yule log made ofmelting cheese, com-plete with holidaymusic.

For more holidayinspiration and recipeslike antipasto skewersand yogurt-pesto dip,queso fundido andcheese logs and bundts,visitrealcaliforniamilk.com/recipes.

Page 5THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018 NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

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OBITUARIES✯

Stephen Lynn Smith,56, passed away peace-fully after a long battlewith cancer on Novem-ber 30, 2018 in Austin,Texas. Stephen wasborn on March 17, 1962to parents Jimmy andAnn Smith in Houston,Texas. He was a trueoutdoorsman who en-joyed fishing, huntingand playing golf.

Stephen loved spend-ing time with his familyand playing with hisgrandchildren. He ispreceded in death by hisbrother, Jeffrey ScottSmith. Stephen is lov-ingly survived by hiswife, Deanna Smith;parents, Jimmy andAnn Smith; brother,Michael Todd Smith;children, Jeremy Mayoand wife Kelly, AshleyKnowles and husbandAndrew; grandchildren,Emily Mayo, MackenzieMayo, Chandler Woo-druff, Adam Knowles;his beloved dog, Jax; aswell as numerous ex-tended family membersand friends.

Friends are welcometo join the family for vis-itation Tuesday, Decem-

Merry Christmas

Christina LeeWilliams Luper

Christina Lee Will-iams Luper, 86, of Bay-town, passed awaySunday, December 1,2018, in Baytown.

Christina was bornNovember 29, 1932 inBrownwood, to parents;Luther and Sallie G.Williams. She was ahigh school graduate, aretired hairdresser andsalon manager for J.C.Penny and also spentmany of her youngeryears working as a flo-rist.

Mrs. Luper was pre-ceded in death by herparents and son: Micha-

James V. “Jim”Garrett

James V. “Jim” Garrett,80, passed away on Decem-ber 1, 2018 peacefully athis home. He was born onOctober 27, 1938 in Hous-ton, Texas to parentsJames Porter and MarieEmma Garrett. He attend-ed Jacinto City Elementa-ry School, Galena ParkJunior High, and GalenaPark High School.

James proudly servedhis country in the UnitedStates Marine Corps from1956 to 1960. He retired in2001 from his career as aState Trooper at the Tex-as Department of PublicSafety after 37 years of em-ployment.

James is preceded indeath by his parents, auntsand uncles, and severalcousins. He is lovingly sur-vived by his wife, Lisa(Gibbs) Garrett; sister,Carolyn Tarris; brother,

D o n a l d G a r r e t t ; t w odaughters; three grand-children; four great-grand-children; as well as severalnieces, nephews, extendedfamily members , andmany friends.

el Earl Luper. She issurvived by her son:John A . Luper , I I ,grandchildren: ChrisLuper, Megan LuperHart, John A. Luper, III,April Luper Hubbard,and Hailey Luper, aunt:Barbara Lummus, cous-in: Marney Mason,niece: Becky Luper, nu-merous other relatives,and friends.

Crespo & JirrelsFuneral Home andCremation Services

6123 Garth Rd.,Baytown, Texas 77521

281-839-0700www.crespoandjirrels.com

Behold!A Child Is Born

The parishioners of St. Jude Thaddeus inHighlands extend a warm greeting to those

seeking a church to celebrate the birth ofJesus Christ and share the blessings of

another Nativity celebration.Parishioners, we are grateful for the supportand encouragement we have received during

this year.

CHRISTMASSCHEDULE 2018

MASSES

Christmas EveMonday, Dec. 24

5:00 pm --Vigil Mass11:15 pm --Christmas Carols

12:00 am --Midnight Mass

Christmas DayTuesday, Dec. 25

9:00 am English Mass

11:00 am Spanish Mass

New Year’s EveMonday, Dec. 31

6:30 pm Vigil Mass

New Year’s DayTuesday, Jan. 1, 2019

8:30 am English Mass

6:30 pm Bilingual Mass

ST. JUDETHADDEUSCATHOLICCHURCH800 S. MainHighlands

281-843-2422www.stjudehighlands.org

Rev. Jose Mundadan, Pastor

Stephen Lynn Smith

ber 4th from 5:00 p.m. to8:00 p.m. at Carter-Con-ley Funeral Home. Fu-neral services officiatedby Pastor Danny Kil-coyne will be held at11:00 a.m. Wednesday,December 5, 2018 in thechapel of Carter-ConleyFuneral Home.

Graveside serviceswill immediately followat San Jacinto Memori-al Park under the direc-tion of Carter-ConleyFuneral Home.

Visit our websites:www.starcouriernews.com

northchannelstar.com

13701 Corpus Christi St.,Houston, TX 77015

713-455-5100www.CarterFuneral-

Houston.com

13701 Corpus Christi St.,Houston, TX 77015

713-455-5100www.CarterFuneral-

Houston.com

Page 6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

ASK THE EXPERT

ASK DIAMOND JIM

NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR5906 STAR LANE, HOUSTON, TX 77057

713-266-3444 • FAX (713) 977-1188email: northchannelstar@gmail.comwebsite: www.northchannelstar.com

Gilbert Hoffman..................................................Editor & PublisherMei-Ing Hoffman...............................................Associate PublisherJulieta Paita..............................................................Assistant EditorWillie Glasgow....................................................Marketing DirectorLewis Spearman...............................................Advertising DirectorLuis Hernandez.................................................Production DirectorGerardo Hernandez................................Circulation/Mail DirectorPublished each Wednesday by GrafikPress Corp. Any erroneous statementwhich may appear will be corrected when brought to the attention of thepublisher. Liability for errors is limited to the reprinting of the corrected ver-sion. Submissions are encouraged, in person, by mail, by Fax, or by email, to:northchannelstar@gmail.com

Member Texas Community Newspaper AssociationMember North Channel Chamber of Commrce

Member Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce HoustonMember Texas Press Association

NORTH CHANNELBUSINESS DIRECTORY

Call 713-266-3444 to AdvertiseYOUR Business in this Directory.

5,000 readers Weekly

EILEEN BRIGHTWELL, DDSwww.brightwelldental.com

1820 Holland St. • Jacinto City, TX 77029

(713) 455-7923

P.O. Box 914, Channelview, TX 77530Mrroofer@mail.com

= Major credit cards accepted =

Free Estimates

Siding & Contracting LLC

281-452-0000New Roofs • Repairs • Painting • Hardi Plank Siding

Financing Available

Garage Doors &Electric Openers

Repair or Replace. We also repair brokensprings. Call Ricardo

832-647-6378

I really like thisquestion. I feel thatthere are many thingsin life that are free andhave value. Love,friendship, a hand-shake, a hug, and evenlaying on the cool grassduring a hot summerday. I can do any ofthese things for freeand all of them havevalue to me.

For the financialvalue of an item, let’sconsider a piece ofjewelry. Ultimately,the value of anything iswhat someone iswilling to pay for thatitem at a given point intime. For example,people will often showme a ring or a pendantor a Rolex watch andask me “what is itworth”? The value of a14K gold ring dependson why the valuation isneeded and its intend-ed purpose. If theperson is selling thering because they needthe cash for otherexpenses, that amountis based on its “scrapvalue”. If a person iswanting to have aformal appraisal donefor insurance or re-placement of that item,that value is muchdifferent and usuallymuch higher than thescrap value and isknown as the item’s

Diamond Jim: "If somethingis free, does ithave value?"

“appraised value”.Value, much likebeauty, is in the eye ofthe beholder or in thedetails for the circum-stances.

We have manycustomers who willcome into PineforestJewelry just to sayhello. They’re not hereto buy something thistime or for us to repairtheir jewelry, they juststopped by to have acool drink and chat fora while. They feelcomfortable here, theyfeel welcomed here, thefeel appreciated here,they feel valued here.Our friendship and thecool drinks are all free.Now that’s a real value,that’s priceless!

We Love our custom-ers and it shows everyday of the week. Thankyou for reading the“Ask Diamond Jim”column.

Diamond Jim is adiamond dealer andprecious metals brokerof NTR Metals. Seemore at:www.pineforestjewelry.com.

If you have questionspertaining to jewelry,watches, diamonds,precious stones, pre-cious metals, and otherquestions related to thejewelry industry, emailjmills@pineforestjewelry.com.

CivicInvolvement,CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Each election that I amasked to serve as a Presid-ing Judge, I look aroundand see if there are neigh-bors who are interested inserving, making a littlemoney and getting to knowothers in the community.This election, I was blessedto have four very uniqueand interesting neighborswho joined me for the day.As the day went on, we

were able to learn abouteach other, as well as thosewho came in to vote. Wediscussed changes wewould like to see and I en-couraged them to taketime to write a note to eachof their elected officials,thanking them for whatthey do for us. If you areinterested for 2019, get in-volved.

Part 1

By Allan Jamail

December 12, 2018 -Tis the season to be jolly,but it is also the season tobe wary of burglars,thieves, and criminalswho holiday shop off ofyour carelessness.

During the holidayseason, shoppers may beso busy they fail toprotect themselves fromthe HOLIDAY THIEVES.Careless shoppers areeasy victims for pursesnatchers and vehicleburglars.

Purse snatchers lovethe holidays, use extracaution with purses andwallets. Carry a purseunder your arm. Keep awallet in an inside coatpocket or a front pantspocket.

When parking yourvehicle to go shopping,remember where youparked. Always park in awell-lit and well-traveledarea, don’t park in a darkarea. Lock your vehicleand keep your windowsup even while you aredriving.

Have your keys inhand when approachingyour vehicle. You will beready to unlock the doorand will not be delayed byfumbling and looking foryour keys. Check to see ifyou are being followed.

When you return toyour vehicle, beforegetting in it look to be

NORTH CHANNEL STARHOLIDAY CRIMEPREVENTION TIPS

sure no one is hidinginside.

When storing itemspurchased at the stores,place them out of sight.The best place is in alocked trunk. Do notleave your purse or cellphone where it can beseen.

If you are in a parkinglot or garage, be mindfulif you see someone whoappears to be standingaround for no goodreason. He or she mightbe waiting to takeadvantage of you. Theycould be waiting to grabyour shopping bags oryour purse. Report themto security officers orleave the area untilthey’re no longer around.

Don't resist if someonetries to take any of yourvaluables, call 911instead. Try to get a gooddescription or licenseplate number of their car.Robbers usually have aweapon so don’t chasethem.

If you go to an auto-matic teller machine forcash, look for peoplearound you and makesure it is well lit and in asafe location.

Part 2 next week;Home Holiday CrimePrevention / AllanJamail is a NorthChannel Star writer whohas Crime PreventionEducation from theUniversity of San Marcusand the Texas Depart-ment of Public Safety.

The Channelview Ministry Team volunteered their serviceduring the Christmas Toy Drive.

Elementary, Crenshaw El-ementary, DeZavala Ele-mentary, SchochlerElementary, and AliceJohnson Junior High en-tertained guests whoshowed their holiday spir-it by donating toys, giftcards, and money.

The Community ToyDrive “Every Child De-serves a Christmas” was

Toy Drive,CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

designed to brightenChristmas for children inthe North Channel Com-munity. Corporate spon-sors for the 2018Community Toy Drivewere Arkema, Caterpillar,Channelview MinistryTeam, Ctab Disaster Re-lief, Houston Responds,LyondellBasell, and SolarTurbines (a CaterpillarCompany).

Page 7THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018 NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

CLASSIFIED ADSCLASSIFIED ADS Your AD will reach up to 120,000readers in our FOUR newspapers, with acombined circulation of 40,000 copies.Get ACTION on your AD. Rates start atonly $16 for 20 words. A bargain!

Call 281-328-9605

FULL-TIMEOFFICE PERSONNEL

Must havePROPER PHONE

ETIQUETTE.

Must be familiar withCOMPUTERS,

MICROSOFT WORD,and STANDARD OFFICE

EQUIPMENT

Fax resume to

936-336-9829

HELP WANTED

48-2

LEGAL NOTICES APPEAR IN THEHIGHLANDS STAR CROSBY COURIER,

AND THE NORTH CHANNEL STAR.CALL 713-266-3444

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

RENTAL COM-MERCIAL SPACE;DowntownHighlands. S.Main StStore front space.Available Dec. 2018.Call 281-843-2811ask for Mr. Bill. 47-4

RENT/LEASE

PARTY ROOMFOR RENT by theevent in DowntownHighlands. Furnishchairs, tables andcooler. Call281-843-2811 Mr. Bill.

49-4

RENT/LEASE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

Screenings to Identify DisabilitiesCISD Special Education department provides screenings for children

with suspected disabilities in an effort to identify every student with adisability who lives within the district’s boundaries. Crosby ISD iscommitted to providing excellence in education to all students, and thescreenings are designed to help identify children who may qualify forthe district’s special education programs. Eligible students withdisabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 can be provided with services toensure their successful participation in school. These services andsupports may be provided through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Actor through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.Special education services are also available starting at birth for eligiblechildren who have a visual and/or auditory impairment.

If you know a child who may be challenged with a disability, pleasecontact the Crosby ISD Special Education office at 281 328-9200,Extension 1108. If the child is already a student in Crosby ISD, pleasecontact the counselor at the child’s school. The counselor will be happyto assist you.

The special education personnel will coordinate efforts to evaluate thestudent and, if eligible, ensure that the student is provided with supportsand services needed to benefit from instruction.

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

Classified ADS713-266-3444

GOOSE CREEK CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTSTATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES

GOVERNMENTAL FUNDSFOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

Page 8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR

David MendezGeneral Sales Manager

THE CHEVY PRICE YOU PAYIS WHAT WE PAY.

NOT A CENT MORE.

Must take delivery by 1/2/2019. Photos for representation only does not depict actual vehicle.2018 Silverado, stk# JG256345, MSRP 50050.00, $45170.13 Employee Price for All -2000 Rebate,-2000 Private Offer (must be on GM Manifest 18-40CBI-000) -500��Costco Members prior to 10/1/2018,-3000 Bonus Cash,-1250 Bonus Cash,-1500 DPA thru GM Financial, $34920.13 FinalPrice� $15130 Total OFF, OVER 30% OFF! 2018 Tahoe, stk# JR137122�, MSRP 71,220, $64370.82Employee Price for ALL, -1500 Rebate, -3500 Private Offer (must be on GM Manifest 18-40CBI-000), --500� Costco Members prior to 10/1/2018 -750� Bonus cash -1500 DPA thru GMF OVER14K Off. 2018 Impala MSRP 29865, 20% OFF� 23892 Final Price all in inventory 2018, 20% offon Impala, Sonic, Spark of 2019 models 20% off on Sonic, Spark. See dealer for complete details.

Pricing with approved credit. Prices do not included T.,T.,&L.

The Nor t h Channe lThe Nor t h Channe lAr ea Chambe r o fAr ea Chambe r o fCommer c e w i sh e s y ouCommer c e w i sh e s y ou

Happy Hol idaysHappy Hol idays13301 I - 10 Eas t , Su i t e 100 , Hous ton TX 77015 • 713 -450 -3600 •13301 I - 10 Eas t , Su i t e 100 , Hous ton TX 77015 • 713 -450 -3600 •13301 I - 10 Eas t , Su i t e 100 , Hous ton TX 77015 • 713 -450 -3600 •

www.nor thchanne la rea . com • New members we l comewww.nor thchanne la rea . com • New members we l comewww.nor thchanne la rea . com • New members we l come

Looking for that uniqueChristmas gift for that spe-cial person who has every-thing? Well look no more. Ifthey love history and loveshistoric Naval Ships then wehave the perfect gift foryou. First Texas Volunteers(FTV) in cooperation withBattleship Texas Founda-tion (BTF) and Texas Parks& Wildlife Department(TPWD) will host a very spe-cial unique guided behindthe scenes “Hard Hat Tour”aboard the ship, Saturday,December 15th, 2018. Thistour will last approximately(3 _) hours and participantswill be able to see areas ofthe ship rarely seen by thepublic. There are (five) tourtimes to pick from: 8:30am– 9:15am – 10:00am –12:00pm and 12:45pm. Thistour is available via a mini-mum donation of $50.00 perperson.

In conjunction with the“Hard Hat Tour” FTV willalso be hosting a “Specialty”Hard Hat Tour focusing onthe Normandy invasion of1944. This tour will takeplace the same day as theHard Hat tour at 2:00pmand will last approximately

Tour BattleshipTEXAS Dec. 15th

(2 _) hours. This tour isavailable via a minimum do-nation of $30.00 per person.

For anyone wishing to at-tend either or both of thesetour you must be at least 14years of age and older. Par-ticipants need to bring asmall pocket flashlight, wearcomfortable clothes (youmay get a little dirty), goodwalking shoes for climbingnumerous stairs/ladders anda camera if you wish. Hardhats are provided, and wa-ter will be available alongthe tour route duringbreaks. Promptness is re-quired, as start times arestrictly observed. If you can’tmake the December touryou can still buy your tick-ets early for the next one onJanuary 19th and wrapthem up for the holidays.

Easy, quick and inexpen-sive and 100% of all moniesraised goes to helping us toensure that the last remain-ing dreadnought style ship,one of the most importantcultural resources of thisstate, will be here for futuregenerations to enjoy. Pleasevisitwww.firsttexsasvolunteers.orgfor more information.