Annual Evening of Cuisine set for Oct. 17
Chamber of Commerce fundraiser to be held at Lone Star Flight Museum
The annual Evening of Cuisine will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave., near Ellington Airport, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce, the event allows attendees to sample food and beverage from a wide variety of local vendors. The yearly event is traditionally the chamber’s most successful fundraiser each year.
This year’s event will feature a live musical performance by The Slags. Jennifer Lopez Fuller from the Bay Area Houston Food Lovers will serve as the event’s guest of honor.
Confirmed vendors include Bakkhus Taverna, Precinct 2 Constable Jerry Garcia’s office, Dave & Buster’s, Dobie Culinary Arts, Interstellar Confections, Jack in the Box, Maggianos Baybrook, Minuti Coffee, Mornings Kolache, Nothing Bundt Cakes, PF Chang’s, San Jacinto College Culinary Department, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Sandra’s Carolina Kitchen, Savannah’s Cafe & Bakery, Scrumptious Bite, SpaceCraft BBQ & Taps and Taqueria El Barbon.
Awards will be given to best entree, best dessert, best decorated, rookie of the year, people’s choice and best of show.
The event will also feature live and silent auctions.
Tickets are $25.
For additional information, contact the chamber at 281-481-5516 or info@southbeltchamber.com.
HCFCD to hold public meeting Oct. 14
Meeting to discuss proposed Flood Control District tax
The Harris County Flood Control District will host a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at El Franco Lee Community Center, 9500 Hall Road, to educate the South Belt community on Proposition A.
Set to appear on the upcoming Nov. 5 ballot, Proposition A would increase the Flood Control District’s ad valorem tax rate for investment in the operation and maintenance of flood control infrastructure in Harris County.
The purpose of the meeting is to educate residents about HCFCD’s current and potential maintenance efforts and the impact of Proposition A in the area.
Residents will be able to engage with Flood Control District experts, as well as submit comments about maintenance efforts and Proposition A through comment cards, an online comment form or email. Interpreters will be in attendance to provide translation into Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin.
If approved, Proposition A would increase the HCFCD Fiscal Year 2025 property tax rate by an additional 1.5 cents per $100 of evaluation – a jump of more than 57 percent from the previous year. That would be on top of the already approved 0.2 cents per $100 of evaluation increase over the FY 2024 budget. This would result in an FY 2025 HCFCD property tax rate of 4.9 cents.
According to district officials, the average homeowner would see an increase of approximately $60 per year. Overall, Proposition A rate would raise around $120 million more than FY 2024.
Of this, nearly $8 million would be raised from new properties added to the tax role, according to Harris County’s proposed budget.
The current property tax rate for FY 2024 is 3.1 cents per $100. If Proposition A fails, the FY 2025 rate will still increase by 0.2 cents, or 6.8 percent to 3.3, cents – the highest tax rate that HCFCD can adopt without seeking voter approval. If Proposition A passes, however, the FY 2025 rate will increase by 57.7 percent over the current rate to 4.9 cents.
The Oct. 14 meeting is just one 10 to be held by HCFCD officials throughout Harris County. Eight of the meetings will be in person, while two will be held online.
The complete list of meetings can be found on the Flood Control District’s Maintenance Matters webpage at www.hcfcd.org/PropA. This page provides comprehensive information on Harris County Flood Control District’s Proposition A ballot initiative including a FAQ, public meeting information and updates.
Wings Over Houston celebrates 40 years
Annual airshow to showcase rarely encountered planes
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Wings Over Houston Airshow (WOHA) is bringing aviation enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness two highly sought-after aircraft – the F-100 Super Sabre and the USAF KC-46A Pegasus.
These planes join a diverse lineup of aerial displays and exclusive appearances for the event coming to Ellington Airport Oct. 26 and 27.
"Wings Over Houston has always been about creating unforgettable moments for our guests,” said Bill Roach, executive director of WOHA. “These aircraft draw fans from across the globe, so featuring both the KC-46A Pegasus and F-100 at this year’s show will offer fans a truly unique experience."
Part of the Collings Foundation collection, the only airworthy F-100 Super Sabre in North America – and possibly in the world – was a critical asset in U.S. operations during the Vietnam War. Flown by Houstonian Rick Sharpe, founder of the Vietnam War Flight Museum, the F-100 will join a fleet of Vietnam-era planes and helicopters for a tribute to those who served in this rare public appearance.
Making its debut at the Wings Over Houston Airshow, the KC-46A Pegasus will showcase advancements in aircraft design, such as refueling capabilities and innovative technology extending the operational limits of modern aircraft.
Headlining the event is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, along with performances from the F-16 Viper Demo Team, the C-17 Globemaster lll,John and Shane McGillis, MiG-15 and ME-262 by Rick Sharpe, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Tribute, the RE/MAX Skydiving Team, Tora! Tora! Tora!, U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration.
Other special elements of this year’s WOHA event include the Legends and Heroes tent, with presenting-sponsor United Airlines, and the Veterans Business Marketplace, presented by Walmart.
To learn more about ticket options, display aircraft, additional event attractions, travel accommodations, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.
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