ARTICLES-STORIES & JUST
WHATEVER
|
ARTICLES-STORIES & JUST
 City of Santa Fe City Hall The Santa Fe Police Department, Texas and the City of Santa Fe recently had the privilege of visiting the Seniors Citizen Center at the Thelma Webber Center, as well as the Heritage Crossing Senior Apartments, to talk about hurricane preparedness. Those in attendance learned about enrolling in the STEAR program (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry), registering for the City's notification system, evacuation routes, evacuation zones, how to prepare for a severe weather emergency, and so much more! To enroll in the STEAR program, click here https://stear.texas.gov Click here to register for the City of Santa Fe's notification system https://member.everbridge.net/307455233884596/login Those presenting were Santa Fe Police Chief Robert Shores, Police Lieutenant Greg Boody, Fire Marshal/Acting City Manager Ramon Coven, and Assistant City Secretary/Communications Specialist Laurie Tollett. Printed materials that were handed out to all in attendance were from the Galveston County, Texas Office of Emergency Management and Houston-Galveston Area Council. Printed materials are available at Santa Fe City Hall or you may click the following links: 2025 Hurricane Guide https://www.weather.gov/.../2025.../HGX%20HG2025_English.pdf 2025 Evacuation Zones and Evacuation Routes https://www.h-gac.com/.../2025-H-GAC-Hurricane-Evacuation... The pre-recorded video presentation was produced by Cameron Batiste, Meteorologist/Hydrology Program Manager with the US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas. (Click here to watch this informative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErbWRIqJh1s ). During the Heritage Crossing presentation, the residents were informed that the facility would be receiving a generator courtesy of SETH (Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation). This generator will be able to power the common areas of the facility so that residents will have access to electricity for their cell phones, medical equipment, etc. The timeline for the installation of the generator has not yet been determined. Thank you to the Santa Fe Senior Citizens Council and Heritage Crossing for having us out!   
0 Comments
 Cheer Up for Vets Pickleball Tournament Recap – What a Smash! Our very first Cheer Up for Vets Pickleball Tournament was a huge success — and it's all thanks to YOU! Not only did we raise funds to support our veteran-focused nonprofit, but the energy, laughter, and community spirit made it a day to remember. From the competitive volleys to the raffle table buzz, every moment counted. We want to give a massive shoutout to: All the amazing players Those who donated prizes and raffle items Everyone who donated funds And the volunteers who gave their time and hearts Special thanks to Will & Shanelle (and their two littles!) — veterans, friends, and our honorary hype squad for the day. You brought smiles and comedy. Huge thanks to Angela for rocking the raffle/prize table like a pro! Thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters: Chicken n Pickle Webster & Your Whole Team! Chicken N Pickle - Webster Venessa – Sealark Chiropractic Sea Lark Chiropractic Kicker Insures Me Agency Kicker Insures Me Agency Crystal Gonzalez – GC CSA Alumni Assoc Galveston County Citizen Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association Ria – Allure Beauty Bar Allure Beauty Bar Emily & Shane – Donations to Tiki & Slate The Great Kanakas Atomic Tiki Bar SLATE Table + Bar Kristen – WTF Kristen, for your raffle basket & event coordination WTFKristen.com Spike & Debra – For helping us score awesome Texans & Rockets prizes Gary Ashorn – No Shoot Video Productions (and for bringing 3 teams!) No Shoot Video Productions Jennifer Ott – For your kind donation Jennifer Ott for District Attorney Congratulations to our winners! 1st Place – CIA (Jessica & Mario) 2nd Place – Picklebusters (Joe & Tin) 3rd Place – Tamale Rita (Gary & Ben) Now enjoy some photos from the day! I snapped as many as I could between matches. We hope you had as much fun as we did! From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for showing up and supporting our mission to uplift and honor our veterans. Sorry, some tags wouldn't come up, Meta is not great at organic searches, ugh. #CheerUpForVets #PickleballForVets #VeteranSupport #ThankYou #CommunityLove #FundraiserSuccess #PickleballRecap  Jennifer Ott for District Attorney Victims deserve justice. They need someone who has the courage and experience to see that through. I will make sure they have a strong advocate in the courtroom and the support they need outside of the courtroom. Ott4da2026! Pol Adv pd by Jennifer Ott for District Attorney Campaign • Political views expressed are those of the sponsor   City Of League City Government NEW! Public Art at Nature Center The Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Nature Center is a great place for bird watching and now there are even MORE to see! Thanks to a generous donation from the League City Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation, the nature center now has six art installations featuring over 100 birds painted by local artists. The bird paintings are printed on metal panels and were originally featured as part of a gallery display for Galveston’s FeatherFest. All the birds are native to Galveston County. The panel displays were unveiled at a ribbon cutting attended by members of the Foundation, the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Congressman Randy Weber's office The Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for League City’s Public Art Initiative. Thank you so much for your generous donation and for supporting League City.   Jennifer Ott for District Attorney
Victims deserve justice. They need someone who has the courage and experience to see that through. I will make sure they have a strong advocate in the courtroom and the support they need outside of the courtroom. Ott4da2026! Pol Adv pd by Jennifer Ott for District Attorney Campaign • Political views expressed are those of the sponsor  How to Borrow for College Without the Stress (StatePoint) A student loan can be a valuable tool to help you earn your degree – and with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful. “Smart borrowing starts with knowing the basics. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel,” says Dan Kennedy, chief marketing officer, College Ave. “Our research finds that while a majority of students are focused on money management, they could use a little more information about how borrowing works.” To help ensure your student loan helps pave the way for your future success, not a future headache, Kennedy recommends avoiding these common borrowing mistakes: Skipping federal student loans: Before taking out a private student loan, exhaust your other options first. Free money you don’t have to pay back is always preferable to a loan, so look into scholarships. You should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock federal student aid, including grants, scholarships and federal student loans. Getting your Federal Direct student loans from the government will often beat private loans in terms of interest rates and repayment options. Plus, if you go into a qualifying field, the government may even grant you student loan forgiveness. Borrowing too much: Borrow only what you need to pay for schooling and basic living expenses. This will help eliminate the temptation to use the money on items that are not an investment in your future. You should also avoid borrowing more than you can comfortably repay based on your expected future income. A College Ave March 2025 student survey found that 67% of those who expected to have student loan debt post-graduation didn’t know or were unsure of how much their monthly payments would be. Before taking out a loan, use CollegeAve.com’s student loan calculator to get a sense of its overall cost and monthly loan payments. Not shopping around: If you do end up taking out a private student loan, it’s important to pay attention to lenders’ interest rates and repayment options. Unlike federal loans, which have fixed interest rates for all borrowers, private student loan interest rates vary from lender to lender. And because your repayment plan can impact your monthly payment and overall cost, it’s key to choose one that fits your budget. Whatever loan you do go with, understand its terms, so there are no surprises down the line. Not having a cosigner, if needed: As a college student, you likely don’t have an established credit history or sufficient income and may not get approved for a private loan on your own. Consider improving your chances of getting approved and securing a lower interest rate by adding a cosigner, like a parent, to your loan application. Not having a repayment strategy: The College Ave survey found that 76% of students say that they confidently pay their bills on time each month and 63% are working toward personal financial goals. Carry these healthy financial habits with you to the repayment stage of your loan. Having a plan for repayment can make a big difference down the road. Think about when you’ll start making payments and how much you can afford each month. The more prepared you are, the less stressful it’ll be when it’s time to pay it back. College is a big investment, and having a smart approach to paying for it is essential. After applying for financial aid and scholarships, and maximizing your income and savings, do some groundwork to ensure that if you have to borrow, you are borrowing smart. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- PHOTO SOURCE: (c) JLco - Julia Amaral / iStock via Getty Images Plus     Make Fire Safety A Priority This National Homeowners Month (StatePoint) Home fires today are burning hotter and faster and causing more damage than ever before, according to National Fire Protection Association data. This is why every second counts when it comes to a fire emergency. June is National Homeowners Month, which is a great opportunity to evaluate your home safety devices and make upgrades where necessary. A new partnership between Kidde, a trusted leader in fire safety for more than 100 years, and Ring, has delivered a cutting-edge collection of Smart Smoke and Combination Alarms (Smoke + CO) featuring seamless integration into the Ring app. Combining Kidde’s advanced smoke and carbon monoxide sensors that provide quicker, more accurate alerts (29% faster average smoke detection based on internal testing of smoldering wood fires for Kidde 9th Edition vs. leading competitor 8th Edition products) with built-in smart technology, you can better protect your home from anywhere. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on vacation, you’ll receive instant notifications through the Ring app if unsafe levels of smoke or carbon monoxide are detected, allowing you to take immediate action. Ring also offers an optional 24/7 Smoke & CO Monitoring subscription service ($5/month), where trained agents can request emergency help and alert your emergency contacts in the event of an alarm. “We believe these alarms represent a major step forward in whole home safety, and we’re excited to get them into the hands of consumers,” says Isis Wu, president of Global Residential Fire & Safety at Kidde. Additional features can ensure smooth operation of your home safety equipment. For example, the Ring app notifies you when your devices’ batteries are low approximately seven days prior to the device chirping, so you can ensure operation with no down time. And Kidde’s enhanced sensing technology reduces false alarms often caused by cooking—a leading reason people disable their devices. And it doesn’t stop there. Once you install one of these smart alarms in your home, you can receive real-time alerts from your other eligible hardwired Kidde products to create a connected home that helps keep you and your family safe. Remember, having working smoke alarms in the home can double the likelihood of safely escaping a house fire in the event of an emergency and are there to help protect you round-the-clock. That’s why it’s important to install them throughout the house, including the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, hallways, basement and garage. As an additional safety measure, you should also be prepared to tackle small fires quickly. Keep fire extinguishers in key areas, including the kitchen, basement and garage. These new alarms are available now, exclusively at The Home Depot, and will be rolling out to other retailers later this year. To learn more about the intersection of home safety equipment and smart technology, as well as to find fire and CO safety tips, visit kidde.com. “Humans are flawed. We forget things, we mess up, and we assume a home fire and other emergencies will never happen to us,” says Wu. “Unfortunately, no home is impervious to an emergency, making the proper safety precautions essential for every household.” *****      Saving Money While Setting Up a Smart Home (StatePoint) Whether you’re setting up a smart home in new digs this moving season, or simply looking to get better connected, making your home smart doesn’t have to break the bank with these practical ways to get connected and save. Get Connected A smart home all starts with fast, hassle-free internet, and these days, there are options available that can help you get connected with no downtime. Rather than waiting for an installation appointment or technician, solutions like T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offer easy setup right out of the box. Simply plug it in, power it on and you’re online within minutes. Now is an especially good time to make this switch, thanks to current promotions. With all T-Mobile Home Internet plans there are no annual contracts or monthly equipment fees. Additional savings are available when bundling with T-Mobile voice plans, making this a solid choice if you also happen to be shopping for a wireless plan. Moving into a new home can mean making adjustments to your budget, and unexpected bill increases can make planning difficult. Unlike some other internet options, T-Mobile doesn’t have introductory promo pricing that increases later, making it easy to account for this line item into the future. Select plans even come with extras, like subscriptions to popular streaming services, so you can save on these monthly expenses too. Get Smart Now that you have internet that can support your smart home, it’s time to select a smart home ecosystem on which to run it, along with devices you’d like to connect it to. Just be sure the ecosystem and devices you choose are compatible. The good news? While this technology that adds seamless convenience to your life comes with a price tag, many smart home features can help you save on monthly expenses, offsetting the cost of your new smart home. For example, devices that make your home more secure, such as smart locks, doorbells, cameras and security systems, could potentially score you a discount on renters or homeowners insurance. Other devices, such as thermostats, lights and appliances, can be programmed to help reduce energy usage and bills. Of course, you should be sure to protect all your smart devices from hackers by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and by keeping systems up to date. There are endless details to manage when settling into a new residence. Fortunately, setting up internet and smart home technology no longer needs to be stressful. Sponsored content. ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- PHOTO SOURCE: (c) JLco - Julia Amaral / iStock via Getty Images Plus     Caregivers Face Financial, Emotional and Career Impacts, Study Finds (StatePoint) Two in five U.S. adults identify as family caregivers, but there is a lack of support for them nationwide, according to new research from Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and Age Wave. With 46% of Americans expected to become caregivers in the future, this research sought to better understand their concerns and challenges, and uncover ways to support them. How caregivers are navigating their finances, emotions and careers Top financial concerns caregivers face include rising costs and inflation (56%) and inadequate retirement savings (42%). In fact, 95% of caregivers have some level of financial concern for their retirement, and 51% must cut back on personal spending because of their caregiving responsibilities, according to the study. In addition to financial challenges, many caregivers cited caregiving as a significant emotional responsibility, leaving them stressed, burned out, and unable to prioritize their own health. Most caregivers (72%) are willing to sacrifice their own financial security to ensure proper care for their loved ones. This sometimes includes such measures as stepping away from their jobs entirely, reducing work hours, taking on debt and dipping into their own retirement savings. Despite these challenges, 80% of caregivers say their role has strengthened their relationships with loved ones, with the large majority reporting feelings of personal fulfillment and gratitude from those in their care. “Caregivers often bear great financial burdens and sacrifice their own well-being to care for children and elder family members,” says Ken Dychtwald, founder and CEO of Age Wave. “The vital role of family caregivers in our care systems and society demands greater recognition, resources and relief, especially as America’s population continues to live longer with more chronic conditions and the need for caregiving grows.” Support, education and resources for caregivers is crucial. Fifty-seven percent have not sought professional advice for caregiving-related financial guidance, yet 93% of those who work with a financial advisor report feeling more confident about their financial future. “Financial advisors are an important element of a caregiver’s support system,” says Ken Cella, principal and head of external affairs at Edward Jones. “They can give caregivers a complete picture of their finances, enabling them to navigate the complex realities of care while planning for multiple long-term financial and life goals.” Policies that help caregivers have bipartisan support Currently, 68% of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, say the public sector is not doing enough to support caregivers, a sentiment felt more strongly among those caring for elderly adults and special-needs adults. The research found that the majority of Americans support enacting federal legislation that would aid caregivers, such as expanded retirement account contributions for caregivers, and additional “catch-up” contributions for caregivers. Additionally, 74% say they believe employers should offer benefits such as financial support or flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities, reflecting a growing demand for supportive workplace policies. “In the face of rising living costs and a looming retirement crisis, supporting caregivers through national and employment policies is an investment in economic stability, public health and the well-being of both caregivers and those they are caring for,” says Cella. “As a firm, we are proud to advocate on behalf of caregivers by backing policies that will build lasting financial strength for our clients, colleagues, communities and society.” Edward Jones supports the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act. According to advocates, these bills would build on the success of the SECURE 2.0 Act by providing additional savings opportunities for caregivers. To learn more, visit www.edwardjones.com/caregiving. Caregivers have a lot to navigate emotionally, financially and logistically. But support, education and resources can help them meet the challenges. ***** ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- PHOTO SOURCE: (c) PIKSEL / iStock via Getty Images Plus   A huge felicidades to Mrs. Darmer’s bilingual 2nd grade classes for becoming published authors!6/23/2025  Channelview ISD · A huge felicidades to Mrs. Darmer’s bilingual 2nd grade classes for becoming published authors! These talented students have been refining their writing skills all year long, and their incredible growth is showcased in this wonderful creation. We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and creativity. What a fantastic way to end the year—and what an amazing beginning as you get ready for third grade! Way to go, Mrs. Darmer and our brilliant Bobcat writers!   Galveston County Fair & Rodeo Good as gold: A heartfelt THANK YOU to outgoing President Ebbie Thurmond After years of dedicated service, Ebbie has stepped away to spend more time with his family. During his tenure, he guided the Fair through some of its most pivotal chapters — from leading after the loss of longtime president Paul Tibaldo, to steering us through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, we hit a major milestone: surpassing $1 million in auction totals — a record in GCFR history! Ebbie’s steady hand, unwavering commitment, and deep love for this community have left an incredible legacy. We are forever grateful. #President #ThankYouEbbie #GCFRStrong #LeadershipLegacy #Gratitude     Alvin Independent School District The @alvinisdbookbus is rolling in for more summer reading fun! Join us Monday, June 23, for a magical morning of stories and inspiration with our incredible community leaders! STOPS FOR THE DAY: Pomona Recreational Center 9:30 – 10:30 AM Guest Reader: @mayor_of_manvel, Dan Davis Meridiana Oasis Center 10:45 – 11:45 AM Guest Reader: Jackie Doucet Caffey Junior High School Principal, Jerry Nelson Bring the kids, grab some books, and be part of this fun-filled literacy adventure! Let’s show our children that Readers are Leaders!   |
RSS Feed