ODESSAINSIDER ODESSA SPEAKS
SPANGLISH
KEEPODESSABEAUTIFUL LEADSTHEWAY
AUGUST8,2025
STORIES NEVER SEEN BEFORE
TABLEOFCONTENTS
COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP
CITYMANAGER
It’s an honor to serve as your new City Manager Since arriving in Odessa, I’ve seen firsthand the passion, pride, and potential that define this community I believe the best way to unlock that potential is through collaborative leadership working together across departments, neighborhoods, and sectors to solve problems and seize opportunities
In today’s complex environment, no single leader or department can do it alone That’s why I’m committed to fostering a culture where input is valued, teamwork is the norm, and shared goals guide our efforts Whether it’s improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, or strengthening our local economy, the best solutions come when we listen, engage, and act together
You’ll see this approach reflected in how we develop strategies, communicate priorities, and build partnerships My door is open, and I invite city staff, residents, and stakeholders alike to contribute ideas, voice concerns, and help shape the future of Odessa
Together, we can lead boldly, serve effectively, and build a thriving community for all.
Let’s get to work together
David A Vela, ICMA-CM, City Manager
MORETHAN 30YEARSOF DEDICATION
BYLESLIEMUNIZ INTERVIEWWITH SHERITHOMASSON
Her journey with the City of Odessa began while she was a senior in high school, working part-time through the VOE (Vocational Office Education) program When she turned 18, she joined the City full-time, in fact, the City of Odessa has been her only employer
WHATHASKEPTSHERI WORKINGFORTHECITY FOROVER3DECADES?
The stability and flexibility of her career have played a major role in her longevity “I’ve been able to move departments when I felt like I outgrew a role or wanted to take on something new,” said Sheri Thomasson, Senior Administrative Assistant for the Streets Department
One of Sheri’s proudest accomplishments is helping the department transition into the digital age, moving processes from paper to computers
Working for the City has allowed her the flexibility to raise her daughter, who is now 18 Sheri also appreciates that she’s built a career that could allow her to retire and start a new career, if she ever wanted to
Thank you, Sheri, for your 33 years of dedicated service to the City of Odessa We’re truly grateful for your commitment, adaptability, and lasting impact
HELPING OTHERS:THE GIFTOFLIFE
KATHYGRYWUSIEWICZ
BYMONICAMCDANIEL INTERVIEW
The spirit of giving runs deep in Odessa and nowhere was that more evident than during the City of Odessa’s most recent blood drive, hosted in partnership with Vitalant. Held three times a year, these drives are a longstanding tradition, powered by the behind-the-scenes leadership of Kathy Grywusiewicz, Health and Wellness Coordinator in the City’s Risk Department
Kathy has played a vital role in keeping the blood drive alive and well, helping ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for employees and members of the public who choose to give
“OURCITYEMPLOYEESHAVE ALWAYSSTEPPEDUPAND BEENGENEROUS,”KATHY SAID.
Each donation carries real weight often saving lives right here in the Permian Basin
“All blood donations are typically used locally,” Kathy explained “Donors receive an email when their blood has been used That direct connection makes a big impact it shows them they’ve made a difference”
Still, there are hurdles Kathy understands that hesitation often comes from not knowing what to expect Her message? Get informed
DONATING WITHPURPOSE
BY MONICA MCDANIEL
Odessa Fire Rescue Lt Gabriel Chavez knows that all too well He’s been with OFR for 11 years and he made time to donate blood
“City employees serve their communities,” Gabriel said “Donating blood is a simple, powerful way to support local healthcare and residents in need It also promotes wellness and community engagement”
For Gabriel, it’s personal “I do it for a few reasons: the health benefits, like new blood cell production and the fact that it can save a life,” he said “My late grandfather donated blood every chance he had He lived a strong 85 years I’m proud to carry that forward”
Even Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton rolled up his sleeve “I donate blood not only because it saves lives,” said Cotton, “but also because it offers real health benefits for me as a donor”
From seasonal firefighters to office staff and first-time donors, this event reflects what Odessa does best showing up for each other With leaders like Kathy Grywusiewicz making it happen, and a city full of generous hearts, the impact stretches far beyond a single day It’s part of a larger story one where every drop counts
ACAREERSHIFT THATCLICKED
Maria España’s journey with the City of Odessa took an unexpected, but welcome turn While working one day, a Solid Waste supervisor casually asked if she’d ever considered joining their team She hadn’t but the question stuck with her She applied, gave it a shot, and ended up landing the role
That was a year ago Today, Maria proudly serves as a Solid Waste Worker and she hasn’t looked back since
Her favorite part of the job? “It feels like a family,” she said For Maria, it’s not just about the tasks she tackles each day it’s about the people beside her The support, teamwork, and connection she feels with her crew are what keep her coming back with a smile
We’re proud to have Maria on the Solid Waste team Her positive attitude, dedication, and heart for the job make a real difference every day!
BY ARIANA HERNANDEZ & ARIC MITCHELL
CHATBOT: JETTTHE JACKRABBIT
BYMONICAMCDANIEL PICTUREBYARICMITCHELL
We’re always looking for ways to make communication easier for both our employees and our community You may have already met our new chatbot, Jett the Jackrabbit and yes, he’s the animated character voted on a couple of months ago! He was launched on June 25, 2025
Since launching, Jett has done a great job helping users navigate our website In fact, during his first month, he reached an impressive 85% resolution rate a milestone that typically isn’t hit until around month four!
Behind the scenes, we’re constantly updating Jett’s knowledge so he can better assist you Just a friendly reminder: Jett’s not Google so if you’re asking for lottery numbers or doing math like "$1,000 + $575," we recommend heading over to a search engine
BREAKINGLANGUAGE BARRIERS
A Cultural Blend: The Commercial Connecting Odessa’s Diverse Voices
When it comes to communicating with the people of Odessa, Keep Odessa Beautiful and the City’s Communications Department aren’t afraid to try something bold That’s exactly what happened when Executive Director Claudia Ortega and the team launched a new commercial one that blends English and Spanish in a way that’s both playful and powerful It includes her daughter Julie and 7-year-old granddaughter Aliyah
The idea was sparked by the charm of popular shows like Jane the Virgin and Ugly Betty where “Spanglish” isn’t a gimmick, but a reflection of real life. Odessa’s population is nearly 61% Hispanic, and Claudia saw a golden opportunity to speak directly to that community in their own voice
BYMONICAMCDANIEL
LAUGH,LEARN, ANDCONNECT:
BREAKINGLANGUAGE BARRIERS
“We strive for this type of commercial to positively impact our community by connecting with our Spanish-speaking citizens,” Claudia explained “KOB's goal is to encourage everyone to join us in our efforts to make Odessa a better place to live, work, and play”
The commercial does just that. It’s warm, funny, and relatable, using Spanglish in a way that feels effortless like a conversation with your neighbor And yes, it even includes a few goofy moments
“One challenge we faced while producing this type of commercial was making funny faces,” Claudia said with a laugh “However, after a few takes, it felt natural.”
The humor wasn’t just for laughs It served a purpose: to break down barriers and make environmental messaging feel accessible, rather than formal or preachy That tone of connection and care is something Ortega and her team believe in deeply
“Cultural representation is important in public service messaging; we work diligently to reach every citizen in Odessa,” she said “Our commitment to engaging with every member of the community is our top priority, and we will continue to find innovative strategies to achieve this”
The response to the commercial has already sparked conversation and more ideas. “Absolutely!” Claudia said when asked about future multicultural or bilingual content “Both multicultural and bilingual content are crucial for keeping our community informed”
This isn’t just a one-time experiment It’s a step toward something bigger a shift in how Odessa communicates, how it includes, and how it celebrates the people who call it home. Through humor, culture, and a little bit of Spanglish, Keep Odessa Beautiful is showing that a clean, united community starts with understanding each other
TVSTAR7-YEAR-OLD AILYAH
CITYOFODESSACONTENT CREATORARICMITCHELL HARDATWORK!
ALIFE-CHANGING GIFT:BEN&CAM’S STORY
One Swab, One Life, One Unforgettable Bond - Odessa Fire Rescue Lieutenant Ben Denney recently reunited with 15-year-old Camden Barnard the boy whose life he helped save You may remember this story from February 2023, when Ben and his wife, Arlene Denney, traveled to Lafayette to meet Camden for the first time Arlene works at Lamar Early Education Center in ECISD
Back in 2018, Camden who goes by "Cam" was diagnosed with Leukemia at just 8 years old His journey hasn’t been easy, but he faces every challenge with a powerful motto Choose Joy!
Cam’s family says he might not be here today if it werent for Ben’s life-saving bone marrow donation They hope sharing this story encourages more people to swab their cheek and sign up to become bone marrow donors through the "National Marrow Donor Program"
Ben and Arlene say their faith guides the way they live If you know them, you know they both have a heart for helping others In fact, Ben made his donation on their second wedding anniversary, flying to Washington, DC, where he had to be sedated and intubated for the procedure Now the couple is excited to be expecting their first child in January
BYMONICAMCDANIEL
COMMUNITYTAKEBACKFOROURYOUTH
BYGABRYELYBARRA
From Concern to Action: Community Unites for Youth Wellness - The Odessa Police Department spoke at the Community Take-Back Symposium, hosted by the Basin Lighthouse, discussing the significance of resources for students in the Permian Basin who are struggling with substance abuse and addressing critical behavioral health especially as we prepare for the upcoming school year
“We are privileged that we are considered as a community partner, and engage with us on treating adolescents for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and mental health” said Shelley Brown, Community Liaison Director of OCEANS Behavioral Health
Community members shared heartfelt concerns and offered actionable ideas, ranging from tours around the OPD facility to ride alongside with our officers The open dialogue fostered a sense of collaboration and commitment empowering attendees to become active participants in creating lasting change
“We’ve had a great relationship with Basin Lighthouse for years meeting regularly to address critical issues like substance abuse and mental health because we know how important it is to come together as a community to find real solutions,” said Steve LeSueur, OPD Public Information Officer
REALTALK, REAL SOLUTIONS: SYMPOSIUM TACKLES YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE
NEWCONTACTFOR CLAIMS&INCIDENTS
BY ARIANA HERNANDEZ & ARIC MITCHELL
We’ve got a quick and important update:
David Cherry is now your go-to for reporting any accidents incidents, or claims
You can reach him at 432-349-5851
David brings years of experience and a real passion for helping people He started his career at Permian Claims Service and has been making a difference ever since Were excited to have him on board!
Barry Wooten is shifting his focus to training, equipment inspections and emergency preparedness after an amazing 37 years of service He’ll continue as our Safety Coordinator, and we’re so thankful for all he’s done and still does for the City
This marks an exciting new chapter in how the City manages risk starting with making sure your claims get to the right hands, right away
ODESSAWALKSTOGETHER
BY ARIANA HERNANDEZ & ARIC MITCHELL
One step at a time, Odessa is walking toward compassion and greater awareness for the city’s unsheltered
At the July 22nd City Council meeting, Naira Enriquez, Director of Community Development, announced a special event titled “Walk in the Shoes of the Unsheltered” The walk is scheduled for Friday October 11 at 8 am
The event is sponsored by the City of Odessa’s Community Development Department in partnership with Odessa Links Enriquez was joined by Jesus Gomez from the Odessa Homeless Coalition to present the announcement The walk will begin at the Ector County Library and end at Family Promise of Odessa, located at 1353 East 6th Street
“This event is part of Homelessness Awareness Month, observed every October to raise public awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for real solutions,” said Enriquez
To further recognize this effort, the City will issue a formal proclamation on Tuesday, September 23, officially designating October as Homelessness Awareness Month in Odessa
CELEBRATINGTHEHEART BEHINDACLEANERODESSA
The Activities Committee honored the Keep Odessa Beautiful (KOB) team for their outstanding dedication and service to the community
“Our team works diligently to serve our citizens, and it’s truly remarkable when their dedication is acknowledged,” said Claudia Ortega, Executive Director of Keep Odessa Beautiful.
KOB works tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in Odessa by promoting environmental responsibility, organizing clean-up events, and educating the public about sustainability
Their continued efforts make Odessa a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful place for everyone
APPRECIATION DAYAT STRIPES
Backing the Badge: Stripes Thanks Odessa’s Finest - Stripes recently hosted a Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon, a special event to recognize and thank our Odessa police officers The OPD SWAT team was there with their specialized equipment, giving the public a chance to show their role in keeping the community safe
Guests also enjoyed music from DJ Mike Kiss FM 1033 was handing out goodies and joining in the fun Stripes employees brought extra energy to the event with a prize wheel, offering giveaways to visitors throughout the day As a thank you for stopping by, Stripes also treated the public to free Slurpee’s
BYGABRYELYBARRA
SERVINGTHOSEWHO SERVE:STRIPES HONORSOPD
“I
WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE THAT CAME TO SUPPORT US,” SAID NICHOLE URSRY, AREA LEADER FOR 7/11
SHOUTOUTTO BUILDING INSPECTIONS–ANDGARYOWENS
BYARIANAHERNANDEZ&ARICMITCHELL
BuildingItRight:HatsOfftoThisHardworkingTeam-Let’stakea momenttoappreciateateamthatkeepsOdessastrong literally!
TheBuildingInspectionsDepartment,ledbyGaryOwens,isresponsible formakingsureeverythingbuiltinourcityissafe,durable,andupto code Garyhasbeendoingthisimportantworkfor25years,andhe currentlyservesasourBuildingOfficial
Garyandhisteamjustreceivedashout-outfromtheActivities Committeeanditwastrulyappreciated
“Thesepeopleworkhard,”Garysaid Waytogo,GaryandthankyoutotheentireBuildingInspectionsteam
“IT’SCOOLBEING RECOGNIZED!”
BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITHCOUNCIL
As students across Odessa head back to class, we’re inviting everyone to take a moment and reflect on where it all began
This back-to-school season, we’re taking a walk down memory lane and celebrating those early days with a bit of fun and heart. We asked our City Councilmembers to share a few favorite memories from their own school days.
Cal Hendrick, City of Odessa Mayor, recalled his favorite sport being football. “I loved growing up in Odessa and going to OHS football games on Friday nights at Barrett Stadium (now Ratliff Stadium). We never missed a game” He’s the first picture
Councilmember Gregory Connell remembers enjoying both running track and wrestling during the school year “I also took an active interest in learning and making friends History and science were my favorite subjects Some of my best memories were camping and fishing with my dad” He’s the second picture
Wishing everyone a great school year ahead! Whether you're cheering on a student, hitting the books yourself, or simply reflecting on how far you’ve come, keep dreaming big!
BYLESLIEMUNIZ
CAN YOU GUESS WHICH COUNCILMEMBER IS WHICH?
UPCOMING EVENTS: CITYOF ODESSA CALENDAR
WWW ODESSA-TX GOV/CALENDAR
AUGUST
8-8 FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - TOY STORY
8-9 OPD BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY
8-12 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
8-15 FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - MONSTERS INC
8-16 NEIGHBORHOOD BULK DROP-OFF
8-19 OPD HONORING A FALLEN HERO (CPL. TOAL)
8-22 FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - WRECK IT RALPH
8-26 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
8-26 OPD NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
8-30 DRIVE-THRU VACCINE CLINIC
SEPTEMBER
9-1 CITY OFFICES CLOSED (LABOR DAY)
9-8 OPD REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES (CPLS. GARDNER & JONES)
9-9 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
9-12 OPD REMEMBERING A FALLEN HERO (CPL. MARQUEZ)
9-13 NEIGHBORHOOD BULK DROP-OFF
9-13 AUTUMN BLAZE 5K RUN
9-19 FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - BIG HERO 6
9-23 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
9-30 OPD NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
OCTOBER
10-14 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
10-11 WALKING IN THE SHOES OF THE UNSHELTERED
10-17 KOB RECYCLE FASHION SHOW
10-24 FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
10-28 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
10-28 OPD NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
NOVEMBER
11-08 BE THANKFUL 5K RUN
11-11 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING 11-25 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
11-25 OPD NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
11-27/28 CITY OFFICES CLOSED (THANKSGIVING)
DECEMBER
12-9 COUNCIL WORK SESSION/MEETING
12-13 JINGLE ALL THE WAY 5K RUN
12-24/25 CITY OFFICES CLOSED (CHRISTMAS)
ANNIVERSARIES
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