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McKINNEY REPLACES HUBENAK AS PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR
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Don McKinney |
Don McKinney, a recently-retired assistant police chief and 32-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, was named Westchase District's Public Safety Director late last week. McKinney replaces outgoing director Mark Hubenak, who leaves Westchase District after a 10-year run.
McKinney previously served as the District's HPD coordinator for the past nine years, working closely with Hubenak to communicate with the more than 50 officers who, when not on duty for HPD, patrol the area. "Don brings solid knowledge of our public safety program, along with an impressive career's worth of police work, to the position," said Jim Murphy, Westchase District's general manager. "We'll really miss Mark, but we're excited to welcome Don on board."
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| Mark Hubenak |
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Under Hubenak's direction, Westchase District's overall crime rate decreased by an astounding 29 percent, even as the area's population increased. During Hubenak's tenure the ranks of the Westchase District Patrol quadrupled to about four dozen officers and specially-marked Westchase District Patrol vehicles doubled from two to four. Hubenak introduced bicycle patrols as well as mobile surveillance cameras, iPads for patrol officers and quarterly public safety alliance meetings with area stakeholders. Westchase District's participation in HPD's Blue Star Program for apartment communities is unmatched in the city, with 62 percent of District communities having earned Blue Star certification for commitment to superior public safety practices.
"Everyone who lives, works or visits the District enjoys a high degree of public safety and that's not something that happened by accident," Murphy said. "That is the result of sustained and varied efforts on the part of the Westchase District Patrol, which Mark has led admirably for the past decade. His effect on the District has been significant and commendable."
We wish Hubenak all the best as he turns to his next adventure: a retail furniture business with his son.
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| NEW SIGNAGE INSTALLED ON DISTRICT'S TRAIL NETWORK |
 The next time you take a walk on Westchase District's trail network, be sure to look for our newly-installed "trail spikes."
These 21 metal signs, usually found in groups of two or three, are placed along the trails at key decision points as well as at areas of interest.
Both sides of each sign includes information about the history and ecology of the area, as well as the role of transportation as a key theme to Westchase District.
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BROWN, NIXON JOIN WESTCHASE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD
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Mark Brown,
CEO of West Houston Assistance Ministries, and
Andy Nixon, senior pastor at First Methodist Houston, were recently appointed to the Westchase District Advisory Board.
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Mark Brown,
West Houston Assistance Ministries |
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Andy Nixon,
First Methodist Houston |
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Formed in 2013, the Westchase District Advisory Board consists of about two dozen business owners, elected officials, school representatives, pastors and business leaders who represent property owners in the District. Its members meet quarterly to advise Westchase District staff and board of directors members on community outreach efforts and priorities for Westchase District projects and programs. The board also acts as a sounding board for current issues within our community.
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Thursdays @ 3 p.m. * Rain or Shine * St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church
10503 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77042 (at Rogerdale, just west of Beltway 8)
WORD OF THE WEEK:
MICROGREENS
A microgreen is a young vegetable green that is used both as a visual and flavor component or ingredient primarily in fine dining restaurants. Smaller than "baby greens," and harvested later than sprouts, microgreens can provide a variety of leaf flavors, such as sweet and spicy.
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MICROGREENS FROM
EUREKA ACRES
Joseph Stark with
Eureka Acres Urban Farm is one of our newest vendors to the market. Within a network of front and backyards throughout central Houston, he specializes in microgreens such as red leaf mustard, China rose radish, red Russian kale and beet greens. Keep refrigerated, wash before use and add to sandwiches, salads or soups for a fresh take on favorite dishes.
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| Come meet Joseph Stark and his microgreens at the Eureka Acres Urban Farm tent at the market this week, starting at 3 p.m. |
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| PACU HOSTS PET ADOPTION DAY SATURDAY, 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. |
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To adopt a pet from Friends For Life, you must:
- be at least 21 years of age and have a legal form of identification (driver's license or state ID).
- be allowed to have a pet of the breed and size where you currently live.
- be able to spend the time and resources necessary to provide the training, medical treatment, and proper care for your pet.
- understand that the adoption fee is $75 for cats that are not micro-chipped, $95 for cats that are micro-chipped and $95 for dogs.
- understand that a fully-refundable $250 spay/neuter deposit (cash or check only) will be collected until proof of spay/neuter is provided to FFL by the adopter before the pet is six months old.
- fill out an adoption application and spend up to an hour with an adoption counselor to discuss the responsibility of owning your specific pet and making it a lifetime commitment.
Still have questions? Contact Natasha Tillman, PACU branch manager, 713-972-9800, ext. 4834.
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| TRAILS WITHOUT TRASH A SUNNY, SWEATY, SWEEPING SUCCESS |
 Westchase District's trail network looks better than ever, thanks to nearly 100 volunteers who came out last Saturday for our inaugural "Trails without Trash" community cleanup event.
Employees from such organizations as: Asakura Robinson; Binkley Barfield; Camp Gladiator; DBR Engineering; Houston Community College; La Quinta; Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam; Olympus Properties; Pampered Lawns; and Walter P. Moore braved the heat and spent a couple of hours picking up debris along the trails.
Thanks to all who helped create the classiest trashy event of the summer. Keep reading The Wire for news about more upcoming trail events.
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