The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce:

6/27/07 - Congratulations to Denver Harbor Community Center Recreation Assistant Ludiviana Gutierrez on receiving the City of Houston BRAVO! Award! Ludy was nominated for the award due to her great work ethic and the rapport she has developed with park patrons. She leads a popular exercise class and spends hours working with the kids in ASAP. She frequently puts in more hours than her job requires. Considering the 15 years she has put in with HPARD, many of which were spent at the Shady Lane Community Center, we think we have gotten a great deal more than our money’s worth from her! The BRAVO! Award was presented at the June 12 Council Meeting.

6/22/07 - It is always great to hear from citizens that we are going above and beyond the call of duty. Recently, a lady informed us that Urban Park Rangers Jose Torres and Yvonne Wiley and contract security guard Floyd Sattleberry helped her out when her car broke down at the Houston Garden Center. And Dave DeMaster impressed a citizen with his attention to duty. She had made a 311 call referring to an overflowing trash can, and Dave took the time and effort to call her to verify the information and make sure the issue was cleared up to her satisfaction. The email she sent called him enthusiastic and courteous and she wanted to be sure that we recognized his dedication to work.

6/20/07 - Congratulations are in order for two promotions in the Recreation and Wellness Division.

Kay Joshua has been promoted to Division Manager of the Recreation Programs Section. Kay will continue to manage, develop and expand programs and partnerships for the Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Programs, Teen and Senior Programs, D-Tag and Transportation Services. Additionally, a new area of passion in Kay's line of responsibilities includes developing Nature and Environmental Programs through the planning of educational field trips, networking with nature partners, and coordinating day and overnight excursions at Lake Houston Park for youth, teens and senior populations.

Ernestina Orosco-Martinez has also been promoted to Assistant Superintendent in the Recreation Programs Section. Ernestina will be responsible for planning and developing programs and special events for the Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Programs for both youth and teen populations for the recreation divisions. Ernestina will network with partnerships to develop programs, special events and service delivery on a larger scale. Both employees are looking forward to the expansion of program services for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

On Thursday, May 31, 2007, HPARD hosted a luncheon to honor employees who have successfully completed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of employment with the City of Houston.  All told, 113 HPARDners received recognition for their years of faithful service. 

On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, the National Safety Council gave out awards to workers with outstanding safety records. The recognition is for employees going at least 20 years without an on-the-job injury. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department takes great pleasure in recognizing Joe Jerez and Robert Quiroz for this distinction. Joe works in Greenspace Management and has a 24-year safety record. Robert works in Recreation and Wellness with a 21-year safety record. Congratulations, and keep up the good work!

In recognition of her unflagging and energetic coordination of Houston’s Senior Olympics, HPARD Administration Manager, Kay Joshua, received a plaque from the Jewish Community Center of Houston at the event’s Opening Ceremony and Breakfast on March 23, 2007. As a sponsor of this worthwhile program, HPARD has relied on Kay’s efforts for 19 years. Now that’s dedication! HPARD has 82 seniors from 15 community centers participating in the Houston ’07 Senior Olympics, and as many as 65 staff assisting as officials and facilitators under Kay’s coordination.

On Monday, February 26, 2007, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department received a 2007 Texas Cardiovascular Health Award for our youth obesity prevention initiative KidFIT. The Texas Cardiovascular Health Disease and Stroke Council identified KidFIT as an outstanding and innovative cardiovascular health promotion project. KidFIT challenges children ages 6 – 12 to get active in Houston parks, targeting inner-city, minority youth in a fun and educational physical activity and nutrition awareness program. HPARD’s Recreation and Wellness Division Assistant Director of Community Center Operations, Debra Lathan, and our Fitness Director, Shadston Pittman, accepted the award at the Hotel Galvez.

And on February 22, 2007, the National Arbor Day Foundation sent the letter proclaiming Houston Tree City USA for the 22nd time. The foundation gives this distinction to cities that maintain a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and celebrate Arbor Day with a public observance. All HPARD employees take pride in this distinction!

On Wednesday, February 21, 2007, HPARD’s Greenspace Management Division held a Completion Ceremony for its second annual Leadership Academy. Completing the Academy were: Manuel Barraza, Daniel Cerda, Shiryl Chambers, Johnny Dancy, Sam Fernandez, Antonio Gonzales, James Harris, Kimberly Iozzio, Matthew Jaramillo, Clayton Jones, Raymond Larkins, Brent Moon, Kathy Navarre, Carol Pompilo, Earl Robinson, Juan Rodriguez, Clifton Ross, Jimmie Saddler, LaDedrick Smith, Eric Spurgeon, Steve Streams, Leroy Sykes, George Thomas, Lara Ura, Roderick Williams, and Brian Wilmer. The Academy trains field supervisors, horticulturists, irrigation leaders, foresters, and others recommended by their supervisors in leadership skills and customer service.

At their 22nd Annual Health & Safety Volunteer Recognition on February 17, 2007, the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross presented the Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder to HPARD’s Ana Gerstle. It is the highest award the Red Cross gives to professional rescuers who save or sustain a life while on duty. On November 9, 2006, Ana was working at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center when her lifesaving skills and training in FA/CPR/AED came into play. She performed CPR on Earl Linscomb when he collapsed near the pool, working to keep him alive until EMS workers arrived and transported him to the VA Hospital. The skills Ana used that day almost certainly helped Linscomb survive the experience.

Joe Pierucci, Division Manager of Parks and Recreation’s Greenspace Management’s North Division, received the designation Master Certified Professional Turf Manager at the Texas Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show in December 2006. This honor from the Texas Turfgrass Association recognizes his years of experience, education, and dedication to his field of expertise.