|
Hola Desde America Del Sur!
 | |
Left to Right: Elizabeth Marveggio (Univesidad Empresarial Siglo 21), Estela Lopez Favre (Universidad Nacional de Villa Maria), Sonia Bierbrauer (Universidad Nacional de Cordoba), Ana Roque (Universidad Blas Pascal),Council Member Laster, and Dr. Jose Echenique (Universidad Nacional de Cordoba)
|
Greetings from South America! Cordoba, Argentina to be precise. As you receive this edition of the District Journal, I am completing a personal visit to Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile and to Cordoba, Argentina. I suppose that prudence would dictate that I emphasize that I am on a personal trip and that no public monies have been expended on behalf of my visit. However, I have taken the opportunity to represent the City of Houston during my stay here. Allow me to share with you some of my experiences.
This past spring, when I first realized that I would have the opportunity for a return visit to Cordoba, Argentina to visit friends, colleagues and loved ones, I immediately reached out to Mr. Daniel Deodato, Consul General of the Republic of Argentina in Houston. In meeting with Mr. Deodato we discussed how I might use my trip to extend greetings from Houston to the people of Cordoba. The Consul General suggested an exchange of letters of introduction between the universities and colleges of Houston to those of Cordoba. What a great idea!
Cordoba, founded in 1573, shares many of Houston's characteristics. As the nation's second largest city, it is home to the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba - one of Latin America's oldest universities, having been founded in 1613. Because of its founding role in the nation's educational system, Cordoba is fondly called "La Docta". Next year marks the university's 400th anniversary. With a population of 1.3 million people, Cordoba is situated in the heart of the nation, in a province like Texas known for its agricultural heritage and burgeoning technological industries. Argentina has a relatively young population and enjoys a near universal literacy rate. As in Houston, education is prized here and seen as the foundation of the City's and the nation's future.
So, after many months of planning, yesterday I was pleased to be able to meet with representatives of the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Universidad Nacional de Villa Maria, Universidad Blas Pascal, and Universidad Empresarial Siglo 21. As part of the meeting I was able to present letters of introduction and information packets from the University of Houston, Houston Baptist University, the University of St. Thomas, Texas Southern University, and Houston Community College. Our discussions considered the many ways that these educational institutions could benefit from deeper ties. I look forward to reporting those discussions to our Houston partners. Perhaps one day in the near future, relationships formed by students of these institutions may help chart the course of the economic and cultural future of our two cities.
Immediately following my meeting with these educational institutions, I traveled to the Municipal Offices of the City of Cordoba to meet with Dr. Facundo Cortez Olmedo and Dr. Sergio Piquillem, representatives of the Office of the Intendente (Mayor) of Cordoba, Dr. Ramon Mestre. Dr. Mestre is hoping to make a trip to the United States later this year; so naturally, we discussed the possibility of a visit to Houston. I look forward to showing Dr. Mestre some of our Texas hospitality.
I would like to thank the many people involved in coordinating these two meetings. Planning a meeting half-way around the world takes some doing. Toward that end, I extend thanks to Consul General Daniel Deodato and Ms. Sofia de Maussion of the Office of Consul General of Argentina in Houston. Of particular help in hosting the meeting was Ms. Sonia Bierbruaer of the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Members of the Mayor's Office Protocol, Deanea LeFlore and Leslie Santamaria helped chart the course for these meetings. Lastly, Leah Olive-Nishioka, your District J Communications Director, did much of the heavy lifting in organizing these events. My thanks to all of them.
Finally, allow me to offer a word of thanks to you for giving me the opportunity and honor of representing the people of Houston - and District J in particular - to these new friends and business associates from Latin America. We know that the world calls District J home, so I hope you will join me in welcoming a new chance to strengthen our City's international economic and cultural ties with this important part of our world. If I learned one thing on this trip, it is that we live on a very small planet. We need each other. The chances to make new friends and to explore new horizons are as countless as the persons we have yet to meet. Letīs take advantage of it.
- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J
|
|
Hot Lanes are Coming to US-59
 HOT Lanes? Aren't Texas roads hot enough? They sure are, but Metro HOT Lanes are "High Occupancy Toll" lanes. For a toll, single occupant cars can breeze by traffic in the HOV Lanes. New HOT lanes are being added on US-59 from downtown to West Airport. Metro is hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, July 30 at 11:30 am at the Hillcroft Transit Center (6220 Southwest Freeway). So how do HOT Lanes work? Drivers without passengers are allowed to use the system by paying a toll with one of the following authorized toll tags: - Metro HOT Lanes Toll Tag
- Harris County EZ TAG
- TxDOT TxTAG
- Dallas NTTA Toll Tag
Traffic monitoring systems will help METRO maintain traffic speeds to ensure optimal travel times for existing HOV Lane users, as well those using the METRO HOT Lanes. For more information on HOT Lanes or to purchase a Metro HOT Lanes Toll Tag, please visit the HOT Lanes web page. |
|
Preparing for a Hurricane - Emergency Kits
 One of the most important components in making your hurricane preparations and plans is to assemble an emergency kit. There are many online resources available to help you tailor your family's emergency kit to your specific needs. Here are some basic guidelines for starting an emergency kit that should last 3 to 7 days:
- Water (at least one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation)
- Non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio AND weather radio with tone alert, plus extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid kit
- Rain gear
- Whistle to signal for help
- Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off water and electric utilities (gas should not be turned off except at appliances)
- Manual can opener if kit contains canned food
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula and diapers
- Paper towels and disposable cups, plates and utensils
- Cash or traveler's checks, change
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Disinfectant
- Copies of important family and household documents in a waterproof container
- Books, board games, and other non-electric entertainment
- Pet supplies
- Scissors
- Small sewing kit
- Personal hygiene supplies (tooth brush and tooth paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, feminine supplies, etc)
For more information on building your emergency kit, please visit the links to the left under the title "Hurricane Season Resources." |
|
July 28 - World Hepatitis Day
 July 28 commemorates World Hepatitis Day. The 2012 theme is "This is hepatitis...It's closer than you think." The World Hepatitis Alliance and World Health Organization (WHO) are focused on raising support for people with hepatitis B or C, education on prevention and risks, and increasing screening and immunization against hepatitis B. The WHO estimates that 1 in 12 people all over the world is infected with hepatitis B or C - that's over 500 million people. All forms of hepatitis can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver, which can can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Approximately 1 million people die each year due to hepatitis B or C infection. Testing for all forms of hepatitis is important. Education is also key. Hepatitis B and C are both "silent" viruses, and because many people feel no symptoms, you could be infected for years without knowing it. And the hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. Fortunately, there is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B. Getting immunized is the best way of preventing hepatitis B infection. More than one billion doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have been used since the early 1980s and it has been shown to be effective in approximately 95% of cases. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.
For more information on hepatitis screening, prevention and immunization, please visit the following websites:
|
|
District Spotlight - Burnett Bayland Park
 Burnett Bayland Park is one of District J's most used and enjoyed parks. It also has an interesting history. It was originally part of a 67 acre gift from Joseph Meyer on August 24, 1912, to the Burnett Bayland Home for Dependent Children, an orphanage founded by Mary Burnett Bayland, for whom the park is named. In 1971, it came under the ownership of Harris County. Finally, in 1996 it became a city managed park through a 30-year inter-local agreement between the county and city.
Recreational amenities of the park include a playground, a 0.96 mile walking trail, community gardens, picnic tables, a basketball pavilion, community center, popular soccer and baseball fields, and a spray park. Your District J office looks forward to meeting with members of the Gulfton community in the Fall to discuss how this park may be improved in the future.
Burnett Bayland Park is located at 6000 Chimney Rock. For more information on the park and for contact phone numbers, please click here.
|
|
Comcast Offers "Internet Essentials" Low Cost Option to Qualifying Families
 If your child receives free or reduced price school lunches, you may qualify for "Internet Essentials" service from Comcast. Participating customers will receive affordable internet service at $9.95 + tax per month with no price increases, no activation fees, and no equipment rental fees. Families will also be able to purchase a low-cost computer for only $149.99 + tax when they enroll, as well as free internet training online, in print, or in person. Parental Controls and Norton Security Security Suite will also be provided at no extra charge.
You may be eligible to participate if your household meets all the following criteria:
- you are located where Comcast offers Internet service
- you have at least one child receiving free or reduced price lunches through the National School Lunch Program
- you have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
- you do not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment
For more information or to see if you qualify, visit InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-8-Internet (1-855-846-8376). |
|
Primary Run Off - Election Day is July 31
 Your last chance to vote in the Primary Runoff Election is Tuesday, July 31. Polls will be open from 7am until 7pm.
For more information on polling locations and ballots, please visit www.harrisvotes.com.
|
|
Upcoming Events
 Please refer to the Community Events Calendar on our website for time, location and other event details.
New events are added every week. Be sure to check in often!
July 27
- Primary Election Run Off - Early Voting
July 28
- Children's Health Day 2012 - Greenspoint Mall
July 29
- Free Eye Glasses at Greater Vision Eye Care
July 30
- 59 South Metro HOT Lane Ribbon Cutting
- Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Campaign - Sharpstown High School
July 31
- Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Campaign - Sharpstown High School
- Sharpstown Rotary Club
- Primary Runoff Election Day
August 1
- Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Campaign - Sharpstown High School
August 2
-
AARP Chapter 4418 Meeting
- Alief Clean & Green Committee Meeting
- Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Campaign - Sharpstown High School
August 4
August 6
- Braeburn Super Neighborhood Meeting
August 7
- Brays Oaks Super Neighborhood #36 Meeting
- Sharpstown Rotary Club Meeting
August 8
- Sharpstown Super Neighborhood Council Meeting
August 10
- IMD PR & Marketing Committee Meeting
August 11
- Back to School Fest
-
India House Houston's Youth Explosion
|
|
