Community News

M’StonesInDaHood—Harris County’s apathetic citizens should kick themselves in the butt for allowing politicians to pressure Lois Moore out as head of the Harris County Hospital District, because public healthcare has become a misnomer since she left. Recently Moore received a coveted “Angel of Mercy” award (See front page story.) Congrats Lois, we miss you…. If you missed the benefit party for the documentary film (“Dr. Thomas Freeman: The Man and his Madness”), that was held at the Groovey Grill Mansion on Dec. 9, 2004, you missed a real treat. Dr. Patrick J. Gilpin and Dr. Willie Capers, who were helped greatly by Dr. Lawrence Redd, Dr. Howard Harris, Walter Strickland, Wendy Gueon Wilson, Hunter Todd, Mary Lane, Tina Blakes and the TSU Jazz Ensemble, hosted the event. The documentary was produced and directed by Sonoma Zu-Bolton and Mo Roberts, in alliance with TSU & World Fest Houston International Film Festival, For info on future showings call (713) 697-6838.

MeMories—A complimentary memoriam is due the love ones of Floyd Gentry whose long and productive life was celebrated at St. Agnes BC, 3730 S. Acres, on Oct. 2, 2004, with Bishop Gene A. Moore officiating. Rev. Herman Miles gave special remarks and Bro. Gentry’s first cousin, Rev. Milton McNeil, pastor of St. Matthews BC in Carmine, Texas delivered the eulogy. Honorary pallbearers were: Lloyd Guyton, Samuel Patterson & Damon Brian, Ernest & James Gentry, Jr. The Metropolitan Transit Authority Honor Guards were active pallbearers for Floyd, who was born on July 1, 1938 to James and Hattie Gentry in Burton Texas. Floyd, who attended school at G. W. Carver in Burton, accepted Christ, and was baptized at an early age at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Carmine, Texas. Floyd was also drafted into the United States Army and served two years.
After serving time in the army Floyd moved to Houston and was employed with Metro where he retired in January 200I after thirty-three hard years. Floyd also sat on the Board of Executive Retirees, which is an organization of Metro that was established in 200I. Floyd is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Curtie Lee and Lewis Gentry. He leaves to cherish and mourn his memory: 6 children, De’ Andrea Sandles, Kim Gentry, Derrick Laman, Damon,Ka-shockie and Brian Keith Gentry; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, two brothers and their spouses, Mattie and Lonnie McNeil, James Jr. and Tommie Gentry; Mable and Lloyd Guyton, Ernest and Rose Gentry and Glorestein and Samuel Patterson. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Well-done Floyd Gentry.

SuperSisters—Although her specialty is Neurology, Dr. Annette Howard’s calm and reassuring bedside manner makes her an ideal doctor for senior citizens. Dr. Howard, who recently gave a lecture on brain disorders, is located in the Medical Center Pro-fessional Building, 6655 Travis @ Suite 780. She and her rack staff of “Super Sisters” Joyce Jefferson and Judy Jones are so courtesy and show so much respect for patients, until they start feeling better the instant that they enter the office. For info, call (713) 528-3781…. Miskakie Ogu is a name to remember, because those who’ve watched her flower into a teenager thinks she’s well on her way to becoming a Super Sister. Miskakie lost her mother, Nadine Hackley, who lived in Washing-ton, D. C. (where she was born after her mom, Virginia Hackley, moved from North Carolina), in 1996, but is being very well raised by her granny. The lovely and talented 17-year-old high school senior is a spirit dancer at her church and aspires to become a actress. Mishakie’s father is Matthew Ogu, a Nigerian who her mother met while attending TSU. Good luck Miskakie.

FYI—Houston Community College and the Harris County Sheriffs Office have successfully provided educational classes to inmates in the county jail facilities. The programs have always been exemplary and recently the International Correctional Education Association affirmed that. This makes the Harris County Sheriffs Office jail system first in the nation to become nationally certified in inmate education. The accreditation process spanned a one and one-half year period and required the cooperation and dedication of both the sheriff’s inmate education staff and the faculty and administration of the program at HCC-Northeast. When the Correctional Education Association (CEA) completed its audit, it revealed that the Inmate Education Program had met sixty standards with a 100% rating. The Harris County Jail operated by the sheriffs department, became the only county jail accredited by the International Correctional Education Assn. in USA. The partnership between the HCSD and HCC began in 1973 in response to a Texas Commission on Jail Standards mandate to offer all qualified inmates a chance to obtain some form of education to prepare them for life after their release from jail. In 1983, offerings were expanded to include vocational training. Courses include offset printing, auto mechanics, heating and refrigeration, auto paint and body, basic construction, welding, leather craft, floor and wall covering, upholstery, building maintenance, consumer electronics, and culinary arts. Dr. Margaret Forde, President, HCC-Northeast, commented, “The Inmate Education Program has exemplary faculty and staff, and the partnership with the HCSD represents a true collaborative partnership which benefits inmates as well as the community." For info, call (713) 718-8422.