TIS THE SEASON TO HIRE, BUT NOT WITHOUT RISK

aHow Texas Businesses Can Help Keep Seasonal Workers SafeBy Stacey Johnson, Field Director, Travelers Risk ControlThe holiday season is when consumer spending seems to be at its peak in Texas and across the nation. In fact, the National Retail Federation (NRF) expects sales in these months to increase 3.9 percent to $602.1 billion – a forecast higher than the 10-year average holiday sales growth of 3.3 percent.To keep up with demands, many businesses hire seasonal workers and, unfortunately, workplace injuries are more common for less-experienced employees. Having extra hands on deck can, in some cases, mean additional liabilities due to factors such as improper training, lack of relevant experience, and challenges with workplace injuries.  That can mean the difference between a business making and losing money for the year.Before hiring, business owners should consider a few things.  Many seasonal employees are in high school or college and lack experience and/or maturity, which could lead to losses and increased exposures to risk, so proper training is especially important with these employees. Sprains and strains from slips, trips and falls are the most common workplace injuries.While there are risks associated with seasonal hiring, there also are effective ways to avoid these risks and help keep new workers safe. Here are six tips to help keep your employees, and your business, safe this season:Don’t cut corners when hiring seasonal workers.  Use interviews to ensure prospects have the right experience and training for the position.  Background checks, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and a motor vehicle record review if the employee will be driving, are all valuable tools.Dedicate time to properly train and supervise seasonal employees to reduce the chance of injury to themselves and others.Consider the level of responsibility assigned to seasonal employees. Placing a critical job task in the hands of a seasonal worker could compromise the business.New workers should be assigned to work with more experienced workers until they are able to perform the job duties on their own.If driving is part of regular job responsibilities, consider prohibiting seasonal workers from driving unless certain criteria are met, including a review of the employee’s driver’s license and insurance, and a successful motor vehicle record review. Instruction, training, supervision, age, and experience should also be part of the decision-making process. Also consider prohibiting the use of anything that keeps their eyes, hands or attention away from driving.Check with an insurance agent or broker prior to hiring seasonal staff members to help make sure the necessary coverage is in place to help protect the business. If employees will be driving, make sure the commercial auto policy has the appropriate limits and coverage.All in all, it’s important to plan ahead.  The holiday season is often a time for rushing and last minute decisions, but when it comes to protecting businesses and their employees, careful planning and preparation are the keys to decreasing the risk of workplace injuries.Tags: consumer spending, holiday season, National Retail Federation, Texas Businesses, Travelers Risk Control, workplace injuriesCategory: Articles, Houston News, Katy News

Thank You – A Letter from Alton Frailey, Superintendent

aDear Katy ISD Community,Every so often, unplanned events occur that provide organizations with an opportunity to show what they are all about. Last week’s power outage at Rylander Elementary School was one of those times. When the power went out at Rylander around 9 p.m. last Monday night, personnel from several departments and the campus sprang into action to determine the extent of the damage and if school could be held Tuesday morning. However, it wasn’t until the next day that we learned it would take several days to repair the damage.While the easy road may have been to simply cancel school for the remainder of the week and make up the days later in the year, there was another alternative that – while challenging – would ensure that student learning would not be interrupted. Starting Tuesday afternoon and throughout that evening, crews worked to move Rylander into the Tompkins High School Ninth Grade Center. In addition, campus staff addressed logistical issues such as where classrooms and offices would be located, and how to handle student drop off and dismissal.From all accounts, the transition to Tompkins High School was a success. There is no doubt that this was due to the collaborative efforts and extraordinary dedication of Rylander, Tompkins, and departmental personnel to do whatever was needed to get the job done. They all are to be commended for tackling an enormous task and working hard to ensure that Rylander students were provided with a quality place to continue their learning.What also made last week’s move to Tompkins a success was the parental support. We know that many parents were at first concerned about their little ones getting lost in such a big building, transportation, and other things. However, our parents placed their trust in the Rylander staff to make sure those concerns were addressed, which is a testament to the exceptional work all staff do for Katy ISD children every day. I want to personally thank the Rylander community, parents, and staff for all you did on behalf of our students.While moving a school is not something we want to do every day, last week brought out the best in everyone who was involved, from students, parents and teachers, to support staff, departmental staff and administrators. More importantly, it showed us what can be achieved when we all work together, no matter how challenging the task.Sincerely,Alton Frailey SuperintendentTags: Alton Frailey, Katy ISD, parental support, Power Outage, Rylander Elementary School, Tompkins High SchoolCategory: Articles, Education, Houston News, Katy News

Jesus Christ is God in the West... Thanking Dracula

' Holy Dracula... The Christian Knight' looks controversial Prince as a defender of Jesús ChristCHIHUAHUA, Mexico-Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, better known as count Drácula, has earned a place in history, myth and pop culture as "the Impaler" and a vampire Lord. In his new novel, "Santo Drácula..."The Christian Knight "(published by AuthorHouse), author Jesús Muñoz takes a look at the real Dracula, the Member of the order of the dragon who swore to protect Christianity in Eastern Europe and highlights his many achievements as a Christian gentleman.The documented facts are the voice of the story in the historical heritage of humanity; After meeting them, they become judge and offer his verdict, Dracula is the largest Christian Saint; do or just a mere bloody vampire... will shake you his sentence!? Set in the 15th century, the book combines reality and legend with an attractive narrative character and strong. Vlad Dracula is fighting to defend the rights of his people and religions. Although use of Impalement is often seen as cruel and unusual, Dracula votes which is only to be used by those who steal, rape, kill or betray. As tensions rise, Dracula comes to defend the divinity of Jesús Chris and surprising results barns.A fragment of "Santo Drácula..." The Christian Knight":"The next day, Saxon City Council members met with Dracula. One of them, Moses, addressed him: 'Have set the amount of twenty pieces of silver to release the prisoner'.Surprised by the mercenary attitude of the owners, Dracula looked coldly. 'Do you not charge thirty?' he suggested sarcastically. "As the amount that Judas sold our Christ!'""Holy Dracula..."The Christian Knight"By Jesus MuñozHardcover | 6 x 9 inch | 466 pages | ISBN 9781491804681Softcover | 6 x 9 inch | 466 pages | ISBN 9781491804674E-Book | 466 pages | ISBN 9781491804698Available at Amazon and Barnes Noble &About the authorJesús Muñoz is an accountant and holds a master's degree in administration. "My passion is read and write about religion," explains Muñoz. "I've done my research and if not try with history that Jesus Christ is God in the West because of Dracula, can you tell me a fake writer and liar, my credibility and reputation are at stake. The story is my language, and am not interested and not give any credibility to the theology."Category: articles, arts & Entertainment

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY’S CENTENNIAL ART PROJECT ART IN THE PARK

a Patrick Dougherty Ain’tMisbehavin’ 2010 Winthrop University Rock Hill, SCHelp artist Patrick Dougherty create one of his signature “stick work” sculptures in Hermann Park!Artist Patrick Dougherty will be constructing a site-specific work in Hermann Park in January 2014 as part of Hermann Park Conservancy’s Centennial Art Project, Art in the Park. Volunteers are needed to assist the artist with harvesting and bundling saplings at an off-site location January 7 and 8, and are also needed for constructing the sculpture in Hermann Park January 8 through 24. Volunteers will work under the direction of the artist and his assistant and will receive free t-shirts made exclusively for volunteers. Over 250 volunteer shifts are available!This is an incredible opportunity to work hand-in-hand with an internationally-renowned artist on a work that will stand in Hermann Park for years to come. Volunteers will collect saplings from the future home of Generation Park, what will be the largest master-planned enterprise park in Houston located at Beltway 8 and Sam Houston Tollway. Volunteers will then work on-site in Hermann Park to construct the sculpture. Sign up for multiple shifts, or just help out for a day! For a look at the artist’s creations, visit: http://www.stickwork.net/How to Sign UpTwo shifts are available per day from January 7–24 (no shifts on January 18 and 19). Shift times are 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–5 p.m. For more information and to sign up, visit: http://2014hpc100.theregistrationsystem.comWho:Volunteers over the age of 14 are welcome. No experience necessary. Volunteers under 18 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult. Diane Kerr, Hermann Park Conservancy manager of volunteer programs, will coordinate volunteers. For questions, contact dkerr@hermannpark.org or 713-524-5876.Patrick Dougherty, Ain’t Misbehavin’, 2010, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC Photo credit: Zan MaddoxAbout Patrick DoughertyKnown for his work with saplings, North Carolina-based Patrick Dougherty creates whirling quasi-architectural structures. Volunteers are crucial to Dougherty’s practice. Dougherty has been working in this medium for over thirty years, and has created over 230 sculptures throughout the United States, as well as internationally. Most recently, he worked on a commission for the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, and has worked on projects in Melbourne, Australia; Sarasota, Florida; Olympia, Washington; and St. Louis, Missouri. See examples of his work here: http://www.stickwork.net/About Generation ParkGeneration Park is unmatched in North America. With 4,000 contiguous acres in the nation’s most thriving market, its’ massive size can handle the largest and most demanding site requirements. The strategic location delivers access to all of Houston’s major air, land, rail and sea corridors, making Generation Park the ideal launch pad for corporate, distribution and manufacturing companies. With unparalleled amenities throughout the park, Generation Park is an asset for companies who need to recruit and retain the best. Learn more at http://generationpark.com/video.html.About Art in the ParkTo celebrate Hermann Park’s 100th anniversary in 2014, Hermann Park Conservancy has launched the Centennial Art Project, Art in the Park. Art in the Park is a series of contemporary art installations to be displayed over the Park’s 445 acres throughout the calendar year 2014. One of several high profile initiatives to commemorate Hermann Park’s birthday, Art in the Park will present a diverse array of public art experiences to the 6 million-plus people who visit the Park annually. For more information on Art in the Park, visit http://www.hermannpark.org/art_in_the_park.php.About Hermann Park ConservancyFounded in 1992, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park, one of Houston’s largest and most loved urban parks. Through a public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy has secured over $110 million toward a $122 million goal for the Centennial Campaign for Hermann Park, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2014. Beyond raising millions of dollars toward capital improvements in the Park, the Conservancy oversees programs focused on visitor services, conservation and stewardship, and tree care. For more information on the Conservancy or to join, visit www.hermannpark.org. Follow the Conservancy at facebook.com/HermannPark and twitter.com/HermannPark.Tags: Art in the Park, Hermann Park, HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY’S, Houston, VolunteersCategory: Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Houston News, Katy News

Sports Radio 610 Aims to Replicate Last Year’s Success with its 2nd Annual Yuletide Drive

a      With the season of giving just around the corner, Sports Radio 610 will be partnering up with Cadence Bank, the Langham Creek YMCA, and the Miracle League this year for their 2nd annual Yuletide Drive in order to help raise money for the development of the Miracle League Sports Complex in Houston. The multi-million dollar complex is specifically designed for special needs children to participate in team sports including baseball, soccer, football, kickball and field day games. The on-air auction charity drive will occur from December 2nd – 6th and will take place live during the J&R Show from 2pm to 6pm.             At present, the Miracle League is playing on one temporary turf field. Due to rain, many games are cancelled or re-scheduled to give the field time to dry out as it is too wet to allow for wheelchairs and walkers to maneuver. The porous design of the new proposed field prevents puddles from forming on the surface and conforms to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ASTM F-1951-99 Determination of Playground Surface Accessibility. In addition to upgrading the baseball fields, a playground with modified equipment and a covered pavilion will also be built.From December 2nd through December 6th, the J&R Show will be out broadcasting live from various locations to collect donations for the Miracle League. Listeners will also be able to contribute though an on-air auction by bidding on various auction items that will be announced live every hour throughout the show from 2pm to 6pm. In addition, Cadence Bank will be accepting donations at their 13 different locations throughout Houston.Last year, the J&R Show raised over $75,000 for the Fort Bend’s Women Shelter, earning them the National Philanthropy Day Award in Outstanding Media. This year, Sports Radio 610 hopes to surpass that success with their partnership with Cadence Band and the Miracle League. “In my 18 years of being in radio, last year’s Yuletide Drive was my greatest accomplishment.” said Rich Lord, co-host of the J&R Show.For more information on Yuletide Drive locations, Cadence Bank locations, and the Miracle League please visit www.sportsradio610.com or contact Raymond Cleboski.Tags: Fort Bend’s Women Shelter, Miracle League, Miracle League Sports Complex, National Philanthropy Day Award, special needs children, Sports Radio 610, Yuletide DriveCategory: Articles, Houston News, Katy News, Sports

Do research sees potential key to learn a new language

Ability to learn foreign speech revealed in brain activityA new study by researchers at the University of Houston (UH) can lead to changes dramatic in the language is taught and learned — especially a second language. These findings are important because statistics show that 60 percent of the children in the Houston independent school district are not native English speakers, a category in the emergence of the United States.Arturo Hernández, Director of the master of development psychology in the uhm, uses neuroimaging methods, as well as techniques of behavior, to investigate the acquisition of language in bilingual brain, mapping of how the bilingual brain processes of language acquisition and observe how it changes over time."There is much interest in the brain and bilingualism, but few people interested to join those two," said Hernandez. "People think of the mind as separate from the brain. "They now understand that what happens in the mind is the product of what the brain does."Hernandez, who also serves as director of the laboratory of the neural Bases of bilingualism in the uhm and is the author of a new book, "The bilingual brain", says recent research examines whether bilingual have greater plasticity and adaptability because two sets of sounds they have learned and can learn vocabulary better than monolinguals. Asked if he could learn a third sound system best.To find out, post-doctoral researcher UH Pilar Archila-luck associated with Hernandez and Ferenc Bunta, Assistant Professor of communication sciences & disorders which specializes in bilingual phonological acquisition. The research team selected Hungarian sounds participants never had heard before, and that it resembled a Spanish nor sounded like English, to establish fair conditions for monolingual and bilingual.The researchers found that half of the bilingual and monolingual could learn the sounds and half of the bilingual and monolingual could not.  When the researchers looked at groups "good" (those who could learn the first sound heard him), discovered that they used the areas of the brain to process sounds. And those who were "bad receivers" did not. This suggests that "groups well" are better to perceive speech, speech even never heard before."In our study, we have found people who seem to be intuitive about the sounds, regardless of how many languages are spoken," said Hernandez. "That could serve as a predictor of whether someone could learn another language easier or not. It was a revelation for me because I feel like we are now starting to find different factors that predict the ability to learn different things. Now, the question is how put us this together."Hernandez said that the long-term goal is an educational outcome that help change the way to teach language to people, particularly a second language."I hope that the results of this research would change drastically the time which introduces a second language and the method we use, as a greater emphasis on learning the sounds of a language instead of learning vocabulary and memorizing it for a test."Tags:Houston, University of Houston independent school districtCategory: articles, education, Houston News

The Green House Gallery & Art Center

zaThe Green House Gallery & Art Center at 716 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006 seeks artists to participate in our Holiday Sale beginning on Dec. 4 and running through Dec. 18 with an artist’s reception on Dec. 7. Artists rent wall space (5-6 linear feet for $50) and handle their own sales without commission. This is a perfect opportunity to sell holiday items. We are looking for artists in the Houston area with original artwork of professional quality for sale.The Green House Gallery & Art Center is open Wed. – Sat. 10AM – 3PM. We also offer art classes and workshops. Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 “From within” with M. Allison. This is a two-day acrylic workshop beginning at 3:30PM each day. Only $55 materials included.Beginning Dec. 4 – Every Wed. at 3:30PM, Art Fundamentals. Learn more about visual art in general with hands on projects in various genres. $25, some materials included.Beginning Dec. 5 – Every Thurs. at 6:30PM for 13 weeks, The Artist’s Way. Explore your inner artist with this in-depth program. Join the “Sacred Circle”. Cure your artists block. $100 + materials for the entire 13 week meet-up.Beginning Dec. 6 – Every Fri. at 3:30PM. Painting With Suzanne. Beginners’ Acrylic classes. If you can hold a paintbrush, you can learn to paint.  $25 for a two hour class. Students must bring materials.Dec. 21 – Ink & gouache with Shida Rad. 2-5PM. Shida will teach her unique technique of finger and palm painting. Some materials are included. Bring your favorite colors. Tags: art classes, Green House Gallery & Art Center, workshops Category: Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Houston News, Katy News