Neiman Marcus to Host Ms. Wheelchair Texas Crowning

Houston, Texas, August 29, 2008- Neiman Marcus is set to host a
celebration and crowning event for the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation.
Michelle Colvard, the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Texas, was crowned Ms.
Wheelchair America on July 26, 2008. Because of the numerous
responsibilities that require her time and presence across the country, a
new Ms. Wheelchair Texas must be crowned. First runner up, Dr. Staci Moss
of Lubbock, Texas, will assume the duties of the new state titleholder.
Dr. Staci Moss is currently the only pharmacist in the state of Texas that
uses a wheelchair for 100% of her daily mobility.

Both women serve as outstanding advocates and role models for people with
disabilities. Michelle Colvard is a graduate of the University of Houston
and serves as the executive director of the Houston Commission on People
with Disabilities having been appointed by Mayor White.

Date: August 29th

Time: 4:30pm

Location: Neiman Marcus, 2nd Floor Couture Dept., 2600 Post Oak Blvd, 77056

For additional information and to schedule interviews contact Angela
Wrigglesworth at 281-635-2032 or visit www.mswheelchairtexas.org.

ABOUT – The Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
organization that strives to improve the lives of people with disabilities
through its mission of advocacy and education.

- END -

Contact: Lynn Fields, Steep Creek Media 281-962-4390
***9 a.m. Press Conference Friday, Aug. 22***

Humble ISD, Steep Creek Media
Launch Unprecedented Advertising Partnership

Humble ISD First in Houston area to feature school bus advertising

Humble, Texas – On Friday, August 22, 2008, at 9 a.m., a press conference will be held to announce an
unprecedented initiative for school bus advertising. Steep Creek Media, a Houston advertising company, and
Humble ISD have entered a partnership to generate revenue for the District by selling advertising space on
its school buses and other venues. Humble ISD is the first public school in metro Houston and the second
state-wide to pursue additional revenues through school bus advertising.
Funding is a major issue facing school districts throughout Houston and Texas, with dozens facing similar
deficits and reductions. The District, facing a budget deficit of more than $17 million that could result in a
reduction of staff and both academic and extracurricular activities, has contracted with Steep Creek Media
to sell advertising with an annual potential revenue to the District of more than $1 million.
The District’s 260+ buses travel hundreds of miles each week throughout the community and provide a
unique method for community businesses to step up and be heroes of Humble ISD. Advertising banner
space will be displayed on the District’s buses.
The press conference will feature Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo, school board trustees,
school bus advertisers and representatives of Humble ISD.
WHO: Dr. Guy Sconzo, Superintendent, Humble Independent School District
Lynn Fields, Steep Creek Media
Lori Aungst, Kids Playce Day Care
Rocky McCullough, Goodson Honda
Dan Huberty, Ampco System Parking
Tim Martin and Colleen Uriarte, Choice Homes
WHAT: Launch of unprecedented school advertising initiative
WHERE: Humble ISD Bus Barn 1703 Wilson Road Humble, TX 77396
WHEN: Friday, August 22, 9 a.m. CST
VISUAL: Several Humble ISD school buses featuring advertising.

The Houston “Survivor” Challenge

The Challenge is On!

HOUSTON - Council Member, Jolanda “Jo” Jones, a former contestant from the popular CBS reality series, Survivor and Mayor Bill White, the honorary chair are bringing the jungle to Houston. The Houston “Survivor” Challenge, will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 on the lush green banks of Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. This event will give 20 Houstonians the opportunity to compete with real celebrity Survivors, and other TV celebrities, in a full day of physical and mental challenges, culminating in one top winner. For those not participating, there will be a chance to cheer on your favorite “survivor” as this event will be free and open to the public.

The challenge will consist of four full days of activities (October 23-26), including a VIP reception, fashion show and trip to Galveston with the reality TV celebrities. There will also be “Survivor” challenges for children and youth to participate.

Some of the reality show alumni who will be participating in the event include Vecepia Robinson, Winner, Survivor Marquesas; Twila Tanner, Runner Up, Survivor Vanuatu; Katie Gallagher, Runner Up, Survivor Palau; Bobby Jon Drinkard, Survivor Palau/Guatemala; Eric Sanchez, Winner TAR/All-Stars; and Natalie Bolton, Survivor Micronesia, who is a Channelview native and graduate of Northshore High School. Another highlight is Houstonian Uchenna Agu who, along with his wife Joyce won the Amazing Race, will serve as the host and emcee of the event.

Proceeds from the 2008 Houston “Survivor” Challenge will benefit the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (www.buffalobayou.org) and the U’jana Conley Foundations for SIDS (www.ujanaconleyfoundation.org). We look forward to your participation as we turn the banks of Buffalo Bayou into a jungle you are sure to survive!

For more information or to set up an interview, contact Council Member Jolanda “Jo” Jones’ office at 832-393-3006 or Elvia Valdez, Press Secretary at 832-393-0782. For additional event and Houston Survivor application information, log onto www.ujanaconleyfoundation.org.

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 9am-5pm

COST: Free and open to all (VIP Sponsorship opportunities available)
Food and drinks will be available for purchase

WHERE: Downtown’s Sesquicentennial Park

(adjacent to the Wortham Theater Center at Preston and Bagby streets)

PARKING: Parking is available in the Theater District Parking garage and metered street parking. For a map of Theater District parking, log onto: www.houstontx.gov/tdparking/tdparkingmap.pdf

SPONSORS: City of Houston, City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department,
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Continental Airlines,
KHOU-Channel 11, Port of Houston Authority

Like some people, I like rainy days. I am glad I don't have a job that requires me to get out in the weather a lot so I can enjoy the weather while inside and dry.
But there are some things that bug me and here is a partial list. Please email your list to me at ccalvert@ourtribune.com and I will post those too!
The City of Houston water bill.

Not the amount but the bill itself. The tear off line is never perforated and always tears. Worse is the amount due line. It is very confusing and I always think the past due amount is the monthly amount. Seems like a redesign is in order!

The lack of painting curbs yellow.

I think Kingwood looks ratty with all the faded curbs. Can we please have some fresh paint?

All the Lake Houston Parkway stop lights.

ARGH. They are not synchronized at all and is it so frustrating. Their curbs just got painted though!

The voice recording on the public access channel on television that shows the City of Houston city council meetings is off by a nanosecond.

Everyone's lips moves and a split second later, the voice lags. Drives me crazy.

As most folks in the community agree, one of the most highly anticipated events is the Northeast Hospital Gala. Every year, the hospital outdoes the former year, transforming the Civic Center into a marvelous party, gathering hundreds of auction items and showcasing professional talent. It has been a WOW event for years. Then, Northeast Hospital became part of the Memorial Hermann system. The system has their own gala and hitting everyone up two times for galas makes neither event successful.
There have been many changes at the hospital - new administration, new policies, new paint and signage. All those plans take lots of meetings and strategizing. The Northeast Hospital Foundation, which was the organization behind the Gala, still exists. Last year, the first after all the changes, there was a gala but no auction. It costs a tremendous amount of money to put on the galas and ultimately, it was decided not to continue them. So - newsflash. NO more galas. The gala is gone. :(
The Memorial Hermann Foundation has stepped in to replace the event with something even more fun and exciting. Think October. Think pink. Think midday meal. I don't want to say too much more but yours truly is on the host committee and we have some surprises in store!