288 Express July 2020

Alvin, Manvel & Neighboring Communities

Help is just a prayer away PAGE 3

JULY 2020 Volume 3, Issue 7

A publication of the Alvin Advertiser

WHAT ’S INS IDE PAGE 3

Cover Story They saw a need and did something about it. What greater love is there than helping a friend.

PAGE 5

PAGE 12

Feature _ Return to Action

Hurricane Preparedness

PAGE 10

PAGE 13

Progress Scout

Local Business Directory

Alvin, Manvel & Neighboring Communities

Editorial Writers & Photographers Alex Wukman Stephen Collins Prentice C. James Michael Edmonds Graphic Designer Linda Knight

Advertising Account Executives Brenda Groves Darlene Hall ads@alvinsun.net advertising@alvinsun.net Betty Crawford classifieds@alvinsun.net Office Manager Donna Hopkins

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COVER STORY

“Help is just a prayer away”

The finished overhang was extended the full length of the church building to ensure that it remains sturdy.

“Ask and you shall receive,” a scripture Anastacio Diaz has come to know very well.

As Pastor of Breath Of Life Ministries church along with his wife, Rita, together they have experienced many setbacks in the past several years but their church and their faith has remained a constant shelter during the hardships.

It began during Hurricane Harvey when, like so many others, the Diaz’ home off of County Road 1462 was completely flooded at which time they took up residence in the church building for several months sleeping on air mattresses and counting their blessings that they had a place to stay. Diaz and his sons, along with some friends, worked to repair the home doing all the restoration themselves.

As they began to rebuild their lives and ministry another setback happened as Anastacio fell ill in May of 2019 and needed emergency surgery. Fast forward through several more surgeries resulting in serious complications that left him unable to work or keep up with the needs of the church.

Even though Diaz is recovering from his illnesses he was concerned that the condition of the church had fallen into disrepair, especially the outside awning which was crumbling and bearing weight on the roof.

Before his illness he had begun doing the work himself, here and there, but that time was cut short and he was wondering how to complete the repairs.

“Then,” Diaz said, “one day I just gave the care over to the Lord with my whole heart.”

Well, the Lord responded in a huge way through Diaz’ longtime employer Hawkins Lease Services, Inc. located in Alvin. Diaz had worked for Hawkins on and off since 1993. In fact, owner Will Hawkins stated, “My first job in the oil field was working under Anastacio and I learned a lot from him. He works tirelessly and 30 years later he is working just as hard on the job and ministering to the needs of others.”

Several fellow employees had it in their hearts to express their respect and appreciation by helping the Diazs fix this most pressing

Continued on page 4 JULY 2020 . . .

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t.

COVER STORY Continued from page 3 problem at the church. Because of the COVID-19 slowdown they were able to begin last Easter and completed the job in the last few weeks. Also, the business is conveniently located just down the road from the church. No such thing as coincidence.

“Juan Hernandez spear headed the mission to help the church. He rounded up materials and oversaw the work along with “Cheppe” Garcia, Juan Garcia and Tony Resendez,” Hawkins said. “They tore down the old awning and built a new overhang extending it down the side of the church. It was a wonderful thing to do for this dedicated hard worker who is an honest and honorable example for us all.”

“I am so grateful for this blessing so people can come worship the Lord here with a sturdier roof. The Hawkins family have been so good to us and I am thankful

for my coworkers, my friends, who gave of their time and energy and supplies to meet this need. God Bless you all and your families in Jesus name,” expressed Diaz.

The church was founded in the 80’s and located at 4021 FM 2403. To find out more about Breath of Life Ministries call 713-885-2372.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who Anastacio and Rita Diaz inside their church, Breath ask Him!” Matthew 7:7-11. of Life Ministries, located at 4021 FM 2403 in Alvin.

“WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR HISTORY AND GETTING TO KNOW EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS.”

Local Lending Decisions

• Commercial Loans • Personal Loans • Deposit Services • Cash Management • Online Banking • VISA Check Card Manvel Branch

“Seifried & Brew, LLC (S&B) is proud to announce that First State Bank was ranked within the 2018 S&B Top 15th Percentile of “Seifried & Brew, LLC (S&B) is proud to Community Banks, which includes more than announce that First State Bank was ranked 5,200 banks. ”

within the 2018 S&B Top 15th Percentile of CLUTE • MANVEL Community Banks, which includes more GOOD than “IT’S TO BE• LAKE JACKSON www.bankatfsb.com It’s good to be First.

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FIRST SINCE 1958”

CLUTE • MANVEL • LAKE JACKSON

www.bankatfsb.com FDIC 19323 Hwy. 6 • Manvel, TX • 281-489-3131

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Feature

Return to Action As the global COVID-19 pandemic starts to release its grip on society, high

school athletics are jumpstarting training activities. Area schools recently started

in-person training events with full safety measures in place with local governing bodies and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While the resumption of high school athletics is a welcome reprieve, there is a contingent that has cautioned against these activities. Naturally, everyone participating in these activities run the risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others that may not be able to fend against the virus.

Until there is a proven vaccine and other developed measures to render the virus less harmful, there will be spirited choruses on both sides with valid reasons either to advance or abort sports happenings. It’s wait-and-see for now, while hoping for the best outcome for all.

Story / Photos by Prentice James

Continued thru page 10

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Feature

Coach Tim Teykl has seen off-season numbers grow from less than 40 players last year during week one of camp to over 200 participants this year.

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Feature

Coaching via Zoom has been replaced with in-person interactions.

Yellowjacket Wesley Purczinsky shows a burst of athleticism during off-season training.

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Feature

Coaches guide athletes through their paces while being diligent about physical distancing.

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Feature

Coach Reggie Taylor oversees hopeful track and field athletes during conditioning drills.

In the second year of UIL sport-specific training, incoming freshman like Gabriel McFarland are able to better prepare for the rigors of high school athletics.

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PROGRESS SCOUT The 288 Express magazine has been highlighting progress in the Alvin and Manvel areas. In this edition we are introducing the “Progress Scout” who is actually a very familiar face to anyone who visits the Alvin Advertiser office. See if you can spot someone you recognize in these photos of area progress. (Photos are altered to add “Photo Scout”)

Alvin Fire and EMS Station is under expert supervision from “The Progress Scout”.

The Progress Scout is checking on progress of the bridge that will connect the Meridiana at Iowa Colony subdivision to Hwy. 6 making a convenient access to Manvel High School.

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PROGRESS SCOUT

The Progress Scout is seen checking out this location that will be the future home for the Rotary Club of Alvin.

The Progress Scout is keeping an eye on the ongoing construction at Second St. and Hwy. 6 .

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BE PREPARED

Hurricane Preparedness

This time of year the areas that are most likely to be effected by storm weather will provide their communities with vital information to help them be prepared. With permission from the City of Alvin, the following information has been obtained from the cities’ website.

Communication During Hurricane Season is Essential The City of Alvin has an emergency notification service, Blackboard Connect, that allows officials to send messages to those residents and businesses who have registered to receive emergency notifications through a single telephone call, text message, or email. Register Here.

In addition residents, can also register to receive email alerts through GroupBuilder, which is another means of communication used by the City. Check the City of Alvin website to register.

During an emergency, Alvin residents can also keep up to date through local radio station 740 KTRH AM, KACC Radio 89.7FM, the City’s social media platforms, and website.

Preparedness Prepare emergency supplies and copies of important documents before hurricane season begins. Also, plan for your supplies to last three to seven days.

Special supplies needed for babies, older adults or pets 3 - 7-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day Coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils Extra prescription medications, written copies of CONTACT INFORMATION prescriptions, other special medical items First-aid kit Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of Non-Emergency residence, information you may need to process insurance 281.388.4370 claims eoc@cityofalvin.com Cash (power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable) Ron Schmitz Battery-operated radio Emergency Management Coordinator Flashlight with extra batteries 281.388.4363 Phone numbers of family and friends rschmitz@cityofalvincom Road maps, a travel plan, hotel reservations Manual can opener, knife, tools, booster cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, tarp, rope Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothing Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products Eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids Extra keys Store supplies in easy-to-carry containers Hurricane Evacuation Zones – Brazoria County City and County officials will order evacuations in the event of a hurricane. Evacuations will be based on zip codes.

When your zip code is called for an evacuation, it is imperative that you are prepared to leave immediately as your zone is called. City officials make decisions to evacuate 36-48 hours before a storm is predicted to make landfall. These Continued on page 13

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Continued from page 12

L OCAL BUSINESS DIRECT ORY

storms are very unpredictable and can become very dangerous in a very short amount of time. Residents are encouraged to leave early if an evacuation order has been given. It is not safe to wait. The zones were put in place to help stagger the evacuations for the quicker movement of people.

TOWING

Special Healthcare or Transportation Needs?

It is vital that individuals with special healthcare or transportation needs prepare in advance for an evacuation in the event of a hurricane. Residents are encouraged to call 2-11 or visit www.bit.ly/TXSTEAR to register for a ride with the State the Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) before a storm is threatening. Operators will register those requiring special assistance. As a storm approaches, an assessment and evacuation plan will be determined.

Who should register?

• People who have limited mobility • People who have communication barriers • People who require additional medical assistance during an emergency event • People who require transportation assistance • People who require personal care assistance Evacuation HUBS in Brazoria County A HUB is a meeting location for residents who: • Need public transportation during an evacuation • Have registered with 2-1-1 STEAR for public transportation.

At this location, residents will be checked in and bused to public shelters in Belton, Texas.

Brazoria County has been divided into two HUBS. If you need public transportation during an evacuation, you will need to get to one of these HUBS: • Pearland – Pearland Recreation Center, 4141 Baily Road • Angleton Fairgrounds – 901 S. Downing Rd. If you need assistance getting to one of these HUBS, contact the Emergency Operations Center at 281-388-4370.

Shelter Information In the event of an evacuation, residents may evacuate to any city of their choosing. Brazoria County residents have been assigned to Belton, Texas for public shelters. If you do not have a hotel reservation or family to stay with, you may evacuate to the public shelters.

Please be aware that there are no official emergency shelters in Alvin and emergency responders will be unable to assist you during the storm.

2301 S. Gordon St. • Alvin, TX 77511

281-824-4354

bc.towing18@gmail.com bcautorepair.mechanicnet.com

Ten

Keep calm

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JULY 2020 . . .

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2020 Atlantic Hurricane Names

L O C A L B U S I N E S S D I R ECTORY

These names were recycled from the 2014 season.

Did your name make the list?

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Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gonzalo Hanna Isaias Josephine Kyle Laura Marco Nana Omar Paulette Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred

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