EMCA 2024 HOLIDAY EVENT & ANNUAL ELECTIONS

Thursday, December 5, 2024 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Annual East Montrose Holiday Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange will take place Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 9  p.m. at the home of Mary Quinn, EMCA Past President, 305 Fargo Street. The EMCA Board will provide some holiday munchies along with water and soft drinks. We ask everyone to bring their own adult libations an appetizer, snack or food item to share.

Members will be entered into a drawing for a raffle prize. Non-members are welcome to attend with a $5.00 donation.

Remember each person who wants to participate in the gift exchange must bring a wrapped (or at least disguised) white elephant gift for the gift exchange. Gift value should not exceed $25.

At the beginning of the evening, we will be electing a President, Vice President, and an At-Large Director. If you would like to run for one of these positions, please email the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Mary Quinn, at pastpresident.emca@gmail.com.

The nominating committee recommendations and a short bio for each candidate are as follows.

President – Karen Brohn

Karen Brohn is the current President of the East Montrose Civic Association, a position she has held for two years. She has been an active member of EMCA since moving into the neighborhood over 12 years ago including leading the Yard of the Season Committee, coordinating National Night Out, and being a Neartown Association representative. Outside of the EMCA Board, Karen is a Corporate Controller and enjoys the outdoors in her free time. She and her husband enjoy spending time with friends and family and their two rescue dogs. She enjoys participating in triathlons and volleyball leagues and is a longtime Houston Texans fan. Karen has enjoyed working on both the social and civic areas within East Montrose and getting to know its residents and business owners. If re-elected, she looks forward to staying involved to ensure that East Montrose remains a Living Mosaic.

Vice President – Hugo Ovalle

Hugo Ovalle is the current Vice President of the East Montrose Civic Association, running for re-election.  He moved to East Montrose in 2020 with his wife Claudia, his children, Lucia, and Eric, and their three dogs Sansa, Red and Rocket.  He has served the EMCA as part of the security committee and as the At-Large 1 Board Member. He enjoys working towards a safer, better neighborhood.  He has actively advocated for safer routes to schools, a program which recently received a grant from the federal government and will start implementation here soon. Hugo is a Petroleum Engineer for a consulting company in downtown Houston.

At-Large – Alyssa Ketner and Katy Macalla

Alyssa Ketner is an active member of EMCA and has served as a part-time board member alongside Katy Macalla for the past two years. As a native Houstonian and mother to two daughters, she is deeply committed to the well-being and growth of the neighborhood. She has a strong connection to the area, having grown up close by, and is dedicated to maintaining the qualities that make it such a wonderful place to live.

In addition to her personal ties, she has had the pleasure of hosting the Annual Spring Fling event with Katy Macalla and assisting with the upcoming Home Tour. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring everything East Montrose has to offer. Whether it is enjoying the local restaurants, visiting nearby museums, or simply taking in the unique charm of the neighborhood, she is constantly reminded how special our community is. Alyssa is eager to bring her dedication, local knowledge, and community involvement to the EMCA and looks forward to the opportunity to continue contributing to our neighborhood’s growth and success.

Katy Macalla, a proud native of Houston, has been an engaged part-time board member of EMCA alongside Alyssa Ketner for the past two years. Together, they have been instrumental in launching and hosting the beloved Annual Spring Fling, a highlight for the community each year.  Outside of her board responsibilities, Katy embraces life with enthusiasm. She is an avid fitness enthusiast, revels in the creative art of needlepointing, and treasures quality time with friends and family. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she dedicates her efforts to supporting local rescue shelters, embodying her commitment to making a meaningful impact in her community. With a unique blend of professional expertise and genuine passion, Katy is dedicated to bringing her skills and vision to better our civic association and our community.

All members in good standing (meaning your dues are up to date) are eligible to vote. You can check your status by reaching out to Joel Dudley at treasurer.emca@gmail.com

If you are unable to attend the Holiday Party, you can complete an absentee/proxy ballot and drop it off at 2101 Whitney Street or email it to pastpresident.emca@gmail.com.