Baytown Engage

Yes Baytown has a TOURISM department! When you think of Baytown I know many just think of the old mall and the chemical plants, but we are so much more. Enjoy as we sit with Anna Yowell and Sheree Cardwell of Baytown Tourism as they share their love of Baytown and all we have to offer. I must say that these two are perfect at what they do. When you hear them speak you an truly feel their love of Baytown and their love of discovering new ways to share who and what Baytown is and what all Baytown has to offer. Enjoy!   Be sure to visit the tourism website to discover all the neat attractions Baytown has to offer https://www.visitbaytown.com/  

Better late than never! Enjoy this very fun, and informative, sit down with two of the best to do what they do: Jake Boyd, our Adult Programming Librarian, and Kathy Bermudez, our Marketing Librarian. Listen as Jake explains the magic they bring to Baytown with innovative programs for the adults in our community. Get a glimpse into the marketing mind of Kathy and her mission to make us FAMOUS! It is clear with clever marketing, and amazing programs geared to all, we these two are working very hard to reach the community so they can enjoy  all the amazing programs here at the Baytown Library.  www.baytownlibrary.org   Jake Boyd - Adult Programming Librarian [email protected]   Kathy Bermudez - Marketing Librarian [email protected]  

We are BACK! Take a listen to this fun episode with Baytown Library's very own teen department gurus, Katie Beverly & Donald Craig. Enjoy as we discover Katie and Donald's journey to teens, the importance of teen programming, the programs available for teens, how teens can volunteer, and why Donald calls them his "minions" Enjoy!   If you have questions about teen programs: www.baytownlibrary.org   Katie Beverly~ Teen Librarian [email protected] Donald Craig~ Family Services Technician  [email protected]  

Welcome back! Today we sit with Dr. Yvonne Thomas-Chapa and Karen Knight of Baytown's Historic Arts, Culture, and Entertainment District! The ACE District began in 2016, several entrepreneurs and landlords in the downtown area of Baytown decided it was time for businesses to regroup, form an organization, and see about getting more activity in the neighborhood. Since then the ACE District, and with earning their 501c3 non-profit status, have been highly active in the community holding events such as the Christmas on Texas Avenue Festival, Black History Month Celebration, International Woman’s Day Event, Praise and Worship events, our Summer Music Festivals, Trunk or Treat on Texas Avenue, and Caribbean Vibes on the Avenue. Please enjoy as Yvonne and Karen share what is coming next in 2023, giving back, and how to join ACE District with bringing back culture to Baytown! Enjoy!   To contact ACE District: https://www.acedistrictbaytown.org/ Email: [email protected] ​Tel: (281) 810-2990  

Kickin' it with Allbooked! Enjoy this very fun episode crossover with our podcasts family Allbooked hosted by Lesley and Katie!  We hosted a city open house for our fellow city employees so they can get to know our Library/Community Engagement department better. We asked everyone about their favorite book and what they love the most about Baytown! So enjoy the fun and heartfelt responses!     To listen to the great book reviews on Allbooked  from our amazing library staff at Sterling Municipal Library click the link below: https://allbooked.podbean.com/    

We are back with a very informative episode! We sit with Laura Alvarado and Argenis Santamaria with First3Years. They discuss the great work Babies In Baytown (BIB) and First3Years is doing for parents/guardians readying their children for school during their pivotal learning years. They also discuss their success working the COFI model (Community Organizing and Family Issues). Enjoy!   The get in contact with Laura and/or Argenis for more information: www.first3yearstx.org Laura Alvarado, Community Systems Manager - [email protected] Arjenis Santamaria, Family Leadership Coordinator - [email protected]  

Enjoy as I sit with Brian Moran as we discuss the exciting plans coming from the 2027 Strategic Plan. There are some impressive changes, and improvements, coming to Baytown! It is clear the say that WE ARE LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY! To get a better understanding take a listen and share with others. If you have questions about the Strategic Plan, or any other improvements coming, go to www.baytownengage.com.  Enjoy!   Brian Moran Assistant to the City Manager [email protected]      

Take a listen as we welcome back Sabrina and Kourtney from our Community Engagement department. If you are an individual, or family, looking for ways to give back to the community this is the episode you really need to listen close to. Sabrina and Kourtney introduce the all new BAYTOWN SERVES! An amazing hub created by the Community Engagement team to house a place with all different volunteer opportunities for those seeking ways to give back. Enjoy!   To connect with Sabrina and Kourtney head to: www.baytownengage.com   To take a look at all the volunteer opportunities : www.baytownengage.com/serve  

We had the absolute please to sit with City of Baytown Councilwoman Ms. Laura Alvarado who is also the Community Systems Manager for First3Years & Lead for Babies in Baytown. She was joined with Ms. Valerie Adame who is the Board President for Church Women United Child Care Center & a Babies in Baytown Partner. We discussed the impactful Babies in Baytown (BIB) Community Impact fund application process, the creation of Babies in Baytown for all care givers, and how our community caregivers can gain the assistance they need from Babies in Baytown.   More information: Babies in Baytown website: https://first3yearstx.org/babies-in-baytown/ Link to grant (deadline March 31, 2022):  https://forms.gle/X9xVrfqxgPceqfGs5Also find the grant on our Facebook, Instagram & Twitter Laura Alvarado: 469.394.3331 or email: [email protected]  

We all love our Parks & Recreation department for all they do and provide the citizens of Baytown. Today we have the pleasure to sit with Cliff Hatch the new Parks & Recreation Director and two members of his team: Cornell Gordon and Kyle Frye. Enjoy as we discuss the Parks' Perfect Trails Projects, New features coming to many city parks, the return of Special Olympics to Baytown, and more! Be sure to follow their projects on their social media pages and at Perfect Trails Projects   Enjoy!   Follow this, and other City of Baytown projects, here: www.baytwonengage.com  

Enjoy as we sit with one of our newest members of the Community Engagement team, Kourtney Bonzo. We discuss Kourtney's journey to Baytown, her love of volunteerism, and what is to come in 2022 for the community from the Community Engagement team. Kourtney details her latest project called Adopt-a-Spot. What is the program?: "When you join Baytown's Adopt-a-Spot program, you become a vital part of keeping Baytown clean and attractive. Plus, being an Adopter gives participants an opportunity to give back to the community, teach their children about community responsibility, receive positive publicity for their business, have a preplanned quarterly activity, and gain valuable community volunteer experience. No special skills or experience are required – just dedicated volunteers with a commitment to the community and concern for the environment." Amazing right?! Enjoy as Kourtney provides all the details so we all can get involved and take pride in our amazing City! Enjoy!     Contact Kourtney: [email protected] 281-422-1117 Adopt-a-Spot   Get involved!: https://www.baytownengage.com/  

Enjoy as Sabrina,  Jamie, and Erline recap all the amazing projects, programs, and work produced from the Community Engagement team in 2021. We also discussed past Baytown Engage Podcast guests and hinted to what will be coming in 2022 for the department and Podcast. Enjoy the journey down memory lane! Please visit www.baytownengage.com for all upcoming projects happening in the City of Baytown.  It is your direct link to watching city growth!

Enjoy as we sit with three current academy members of Baytown Engage Civic Academy Cohort 2.  Wanda. Gwen, and Janda share their love of Baytown, the beauty in being a part of the community,  and how the academy has opened their eyes to see all the amazing work  the city is doing to makes Baytown bigger and better. Enjoy and be sure to join the conversation and stay ENGAGED at www.baytownengage.com .

Enjoy as we sit with one of our very first Baytown Engage Civic Academy Alum, Ms. Phelitria Barnes. Ms. Barnes is not new to civic awareness, but she is new to seeing things on the side of the citizen. We had a great time discussing her deep roots in Baytown and McNair, her mother's volunteer fight fighter days, community impact, and her BIG why for being part of the first ever Civic Academy here in Baytown.  Enjoy and be sure to join the conversation and stay ENGAGED at www.baytownengage.com .

Enjoy as I sit with Rachel as we discuss what it means to be a Talent Management Specialist for the City of Baytown.  Rachel shares her journey to the City, the Pipe Academy,  and how she helps empower employees to feel Empowered to make changes that will bring unity and growth to the City. 

Enjoy as we sit with Lisa Loredo who is our in house Homebound Delivery Technician. Lisa shares her journey to the library, her love of helping our patrons, Friday Morning Adult Book Club, and the all new Romance Book Club! She also explains how she still provided great books to her patrons during the height of Covid. If you, or someone you know, wants to inquire about Homebound Delivery and our adult book clubs contact Lisa: [email protected]   Enjoy!

This episode was a true TREAT! I sat with Jake and Kathy with the Sterling Library. We discussed how it was starting during the high points of COVID and trying to bring programming to the citizens. We talked about the awesome new programs that they have launched: Books and Looks Cooking Time Bullet Journaling  Creative Writing Club Be sure to take a listen and find out what more will be coming our way!   To contact Jake our Adult Programming Librarian: [email protected] To contact Kathy our Programming & Marketing Librarian: [email protected]  

Sabrina and I had the pleasure to sit with Jenna Stevenson the Aquatic Superintendent. Jenna shares with us the impact the pandemic had on our water parks, her journey to the City of Baytown, the ins and outs of running a water park ( well over 500 employees just for aquatics!), the amazing awards won for the innovation City of Baytown's water park displays, and what is coming next for Aquatics in Baytown! Enjoys!

Today we sit with our very own Emergency Management Team! We welcomed Jamie Galloway, the Emergency Management & Prep Coordinator, along with David Alamia, the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. We discussed their career journey and how they made their way to the City of Baytown. They both shared much needed information on how to prepare for hurricane season, virtual preparedness training they offer, and the entire range the Emergency Management team covers--- It is not just weather related! Enjoy!

Enjoy this very informative episode discussing Homelessness Outreach. I sit with Christina Dickerson who is the Community Case Worker for Marcelous-Williams Resource Center. Christina  works hard to help those in need of resources to get back on track. From mapping out a plan to see all areas of the clients needs to going the extra mile to get them the resources they do not even know they need. Christina truly loves what she is doing and has a true heart to serve!    If you, or someone you know, needs assistance with homelessness or insecurity in other areas: Talent Yield Coalition Inc., 501(c) 3 non profit Marcelous-Williams Resource Center 811 N Main, Highlands, Texas  77562 Office:  (855) 449-1472 Fax #:   (281) 884-6030 www.talentyieldcoaliton.org

Let us welcome City Councilman,  Charles Johnson of District 3, to Baytown Engage. Listen and enjoy as we discuss to his motivation to run for City Council,  his genuine love of service and where that started, his motivation to continue to strive to make Baytown greater, and his giant accomplishments one being the FIRST ever Juneteeth Celebration being hosted by the City this year! Enjoy!  

Happy 1 year Anniversary to Baytown Engage! Enjoy as the tables are turned on Erline as Jamie and Sabrina take to the host seat and interview Erline about past shows, guests, and the purpose for the Baytown Engage Podcast.    Follow the show and get ENGAGED at www.baytownengage.com There can suggest guests, show ideas, and see all the major projects the City of Baytown is working on!  

Enjoy this very informative episode discussing Homelessness Outreach. I sit with Mrs. Tammy Guidry who is the Director of Outreach and Homeless Services for Marcelous-Williams Resource Center. Mrs. Tammy, and her team, work hard to help those in need of resources to get back on track. From identification help, transportation assistance, food, clothing, and even to secure a new place to call home, Marcelous-Williams is working in the community to get those items secured for those in need. Working closely with the Harris County Outreach Team to help those in need get back on track.    If you, or someone you know, needs assistance with homelessness or insecurity in other areas: Talent Yield Coalition Inc., 501(c) 3 non profit Marcelous-Williams Resource Center 811 N Main, Highlands, Texas  77562 Office:  (855) 449-1472 Fax #:   (281) 884-6030 www.talentyieldcoaliton.org    

Enjoy as we sit with Martin Scribner, Director of Planning & Development, and Franci Linder, Principal Planning Manager, as they discuss the very important Comprehensive Plan. They breakdown importance thus means for Baytown, the difference between the Comprehensive Plan & the Strategic Plan, and how you as citizens of Baytown can get involved in the process and be heard!   For more Comprehensive Plan information head over to: www.baytownengage.com 

Today we welcome Assistant to the City Manager, Brian Moran, to the podcast. Brian has a very important job that includes  projects that are for the betterment of Baytown. One of his most recent projects is  the City of Baytown's Strategic Plan. Brain explains what a Strategic Plan is, what this means for Baytown, and the steps that goes into bringing the plan to life.  For more information about the plan, and other City projects, please visit www.baytownengage.com  

We bring you a fun and informative episode with two of our community teens who were selected to be part of the City of Baytown's Teen Round Table. Listen as Katie, the Teen Round Table Coordinator and our Teen Librarian discusses with Daisy and Seleni their journey to the committee, their big WHY for applying, and what they hope for the future of the Teen Round Table and what it means for Baytown Teens. Enjoy!   Note: If you are a Teen looking for fun interactive programs to join in Baytown contact Teen Librarian, Katie Beverly, at [email protected]

Today we sit with Jamie Eustace our City Librarian and Library Director, Sabrina Martin the Communtiy Engagement Coordinator, and Lesley Kohles our Technology Librarian. We discuss the newly formed Baytown Engage Civic Academy. The Academy was created to add a new informative tool to help our citizens gain a better understanding of our local government, all the ins and outs of City departments, and to awaken a new understanding of what really goes into running a city to hopefully create better stewards of the community. The program admission process starts April 12th through April 30th. For more information, and to apply, head over to: www.baytownengage.com  If you have any questions feel free to contact Sabrina Martin at: [email protected]   

Today we sit with Martin Scribner the Director of Planning & Development, Christopher Chavis the Communtiy Development Manager, and Sharon Rose the Communtiy Development Generalist. We discussed their journey to the City of Baytown, all the wonderful things  Planning & Development really provides our City/  citizens, and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Planning has some great upcoming projects, and events, all geared towards our citizens and the betterment of the city. Enjoy! Find many of the projects on the City of Baytown website at www.baytown.org Also find City upcoming projects on our Baytown Engage website at www.baytownengage.com 

Welcome Back! Today we have an absolute treat! We have our fearless leader, the one that pulls this city together,  our very own City Manger Mr. Rick Davis! Mr. Davis shared with us his real connection to Baytown,  the surprises he has faced in his 6 years with us, our past and present Strategic Plan, and how the citizens of Baytown have played a vital part in the process. Mr. Davis also shares what he thinks everyone from here, and not, should recognize about our amazing city! Enjoy!   Be sure to visit www.baytownengage.com !

Today we welcome Dr. Marie Alcazar and Detective Lance Watkins with Built4Agility. Detective Watkins,  a City of Baytown Detective, and Dr. Alcazar have been working together to bring awareness, understanding, and unity to many social issues we have been facing as a society.  They have found a way to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement with unifying joint meetings that opens the floor for healing dialog to bring about understanding. We discussed their individual journeys that have led them to working together and their amazing work Built4Agility is doing for the community. Enjoy!   www.built4agility.org

We had the pleasure to sit with long time Baytown resident, and educator, Dr. Precious L. Reimonenq. Dr. Reimonenq discussed her journey in education, the many challenges meeting the students' wellness needs in 2020 dealing with COVID, and how Goose Creek ISD is putting in great work into the wellness of its students, and parents with the Counseling & Student Wellness Department and a vast amount of resources and help! Enjoy.  Seeking help: Behavior & Mental Health ~ 281-707-3738 Social & Emotional Leaning ~ 346-216-3232 Seeking help and resources: https://tinyurl.com/studentwellnesshelp  

Please enjoy this fun, and extremely informative, episode with our very own City Librarian/Director Jamie Eustace and our Community Engagement Coordinator Sabrina Martin. Both sit with us to discuss the all new Empowerment Grants, what they are, the purpose, and their excitement of what these grants mean for Baytown neighborhoods. Remember that www.baytownengage.com is the place to see the narrow focus on all City of Baytown projects and to get your voice, and concerns, heard!   www.baytownengage.com 

We welcome our new District 5 Councilman, Jacob Powell, to the show! During this episode we discussed his journey from Alabama to Baytown, his love of service and serving, and how it was running for council during a pandemic. Mr. Powell shared what is is excited about and the challenges he is ready to face head on. Enjoy! Councilman Jacob Powell, District 5 [email protected] 281-461-3610

During this fun episode we welcome  Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Cliff Hatch. Cliff discusses his journey to making the City of Baytown his home, the great work displayed by the Parks & Rec crew during the pandemic shutdown in 2020, and his own personal battle with COVID. Cliff shared upcoming projects Parks & Rec have planned, and the return of Pop-Up Parks starting in March! Enjoy!

Today we sit with a true staple for our community: Mrs. Donna Mohlman. Mrs. Mohlman is the Community Engagement Specialist for Lee College and a long time volunteer for The Little Libraries. We discussed her journey from school librarian to Lee College and her work with The Little Libraries. Her love of serving, and education, has kept her on the path to bring books, and community love, to homes across Baytown and all surrounding areas. Enjoy!   To contact Mrs. Mohlman about The Little Libraries: [email protected]

Today we sit with City of Baytown Councilwoman, Heather Betancourth, of District 4. We discussed her journey from Spring, Tx to when she fell in love with Baytown and made it her home. We took a look at her journey to City Council by way of her volunteer work with Imagine Baytown and how YOU can become a volunteer. We discussed, and highlighted, her upcoming projects  and what she is most proud of being the Councilwoman for District 4. Enjoy Councilwoman Heather Betancourth of District 4.   Email: [email protected] Imagine Baytown Committee Application deadline February 21st: https://www.baytown.org/709/Imagine-Baytown

During this episode we had the pleasure to sit with one of our City of Baytown Councilwomen, Ms. Laura Alvarado, of District 1. Being a native of Baytown we discussed her deep roots in the city and her journey to serving on council. We took a look back at 2020 and the challenges she faced personally and in serving her community. We got the chance to highlight some great upcoming projects like her work with First3Years and their upcoming virtual event, BabyDay, starting February 7th thru the 13th . Enjoy Councilwoman Laura Alvarado of District 1.   Email: [email protected] First3Years (Baby Day event): www.first3yearstx.org

Happy New Year! 2021 is not the only thing new around here, we have new excited faces that have joined our team ready to serve all the citizens of Baytown!  During our first episode for the new year Erline sits  with Jake and Kathy to discuss with them their new roles and creating innovative programs during this continued pandemic.    Jake Boyd  [email protected] Adult Programming Librarian    Kathy Torres [email protected]  Marketing Librarian   

Eddie Williams of the Marcelus-Williams Resource Center joined Erline this week to discuss homeless outreach in Baytown and their new initiative here at Sterling Municipal Library to provide services every Tuesday. Listen for more details! Marcelous-Williams Resource Center 811 N. Main Street Highlands Tx 77562 855-449-1472 talentyieldcoalition.org

This week, Erline sits across the table from her recent guest hosts, Sabrina and Jamie, to discuss the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Program that kicked off last week for the City of Baytown. For information on the grants, listen to this week's episode and check out http://www.baytownengage.com!  We'll see you all next week!

This week, Erline was joined by guest host Sabrina as they discussed how to support the community in the wake of the financial hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic with Traci Dillard and Terry Sain of the United Way. Listen as they give information on how to receive help and also, how to help your community through the United Way. See you all next week! 

This week, Erline spent a little time talking to voters about how they are approaching voting in the age of COVID and also discussing what voting means to them. After that segment, we revisit part of the episode with Leticia Brysch & Eileen Hall on elections and where to vote locally. We hope you enjoy this episode and we'll see you back here next week!

This week, Erline, and her guest co-host, Jamie, sit down with Nick Woolery & Andrea Brinkley to discuss everyone's favorite street in Baytown: Garth Road. If you would like to get up to the date information on the Garth Road Expansion Project, past meetings and upcoming discussions, tune in for all the information you could ask for!  Visit www.baytownengage.com for more information and to follow upcoming city projects. Get ENGAGED!

This week, Erline sat down with Officer Macla Aguilera. Officer Aguilera has been with the City of Baytown Police Department for 10 years and is the city's D.A.R.E and Crime Prevention officer focusing on engaging the community and keep the youth aware and safe. She has really placed her passion for community engagement in many exciting programs for the youth and adults. Please enjoy as Officer Aguilera shares a little about her journey and the great things Baytown PD is doing for the community. If you have community engagement ideas for the City of Baytown Police please fee free to contact Officer Aguilera at [email protected]

Welcome to another of Baytown Engage! This week, Erline did a Zoom interview with Kevin Craven, a 1988 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School who attended TSU and U of H. He is a married father of 5, who grew up in up in Oakwood Addition (Oak Addition) here in Baytown. His grandfather, E. Cartwright, was one of the authors of a 1970 list of requests given to the Goose Creek School Board by the Black students in an effort to gain some equality and to tone down the Confederate imagery at the school. Listen as Mr. Craven discusses his grandfather, growing up in Baytown and the issues he faced as a student at Robert E. Lee High School.  

This week Erline is once again joined by guest-host, Jamie Eustace, as they interview Leticia Brysch, our current City Clerk, and Eileen Hall, our former-City Clerk/current-Election Official. Listen to get all of your election information for the upcoming November Elections, information on early voting (which starts October 13th!) and also information on the new Baytown Police Advisory Committee. This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about getting engaged with your local, state and federal government! 

We return from our end-of-Summer break to bring you an interview with Tiffany Foster. Tiffany is the newly-retired former-Director of Planning for the City of Baytown. She has been with the city for 24 years and had a major role in the continued growth of Baytown. Listen as Erline sits down with Tiffany and guest-host, Jamie Eustace, for a look back on her career and the growth she witnessed while with the city. 

This week, we were joined by the Sterling Municipal Library's director and creator of the Baytown Engage podcast, Jamie Eustace, as well as Sabrina Martin, the City of Baytown Community Engagement Coordinator. Both Jamie and Sabrina have been instrumental in bringing the community closer to the city government here in Baytown. During this episode, we get a preview of future initiatives and a look back on what we've accomplished so far this year. 

Please welcome Sherman Gray III: Founder and CEO of the Comm/Unity WORKS nonprofit organization, McNair/Baytown resident, son, husband, father, and faith leader. Comm/Unity Works focuses on using the power of UNITY to bring positive measurable change through mentorship, education, advocacy, and youth enrichment. We discussed his organization, his journey to realizing his purpose, and how remaining silent will stunt community growth. Enjoy!

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Teclesha Blanchard to Baytown Engage podcast. Ms. Blanchard is a 2021 Juris Doctor Candidate attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2016, Ms. Blanchard was the first African American woman, and the only candidate of Caribbean heritage, to ever run for Baytown City Council. We discussed her life and times in Baytown as a student at Horace Mann Junior High and Robert E. Lee High School. Ms. Blanchard and I discussed the dark history that Baytown carries and the light that has shined on our own issues here in Baytown. Enjoy!   Update: Since this episode was recorded, the Baytown Police Department has relieved Nathaniel Brown of his duties as an officer with the city.