Whew...What a Week!

I sometimes wonder what to write about in these short bi-weekly missives.  Remarkably, daily events all too often provide me material that I had not remotely expected.  That is certainly true this week.

The headlines tell the story: the Boston Marathon bombing, the fertilizer plant explosion in the City of West, Texas, and now the manhunt and stand-off with the Boston bombing suspects.  The past few days have presented us with great tragedy, stunningly selfless acts of heroism and palpable examples of fortitude, strength and compassion.  It has been a heck of a week.

Perhaps you find yourself like me feeling speechless, exhausted and taking stock of what really matters.

In the coming days let's take time to say "I love you" to our friends and family. Let's do everything we can to help those in need around us. Let's pray for healing and let's work for justice.   

Peace,

BP MS 150:  April 20-21 

The BP MS 150 is a two-day fundraising cycling ride organized by the National MS Society: Lone Star. This ride is the largest event of its kind in North America. In 2011, the event raised more than $16 million for MS.

The ride is a 180-mile journey for MS from Houston to Austin and begins Saturday morning. Riders follow scenic roads into Bellville for lunch. Day One ends at the Fayette County Fairgrounds overnight in La Grange.

On Sunday morning Club 300 members lead the mass on one of two routes that lead to Bastrop Intermediate School for lunch from the fairgrounds. Some riders take the Bechtel Challenge Route and enjoy the rolling terrain of Bastrop and Buescher State Parks or bypass the parks via the Pfizer Lunch Express Route. The final leg of Day Two takes riders into Austin for exciting Finish Line festivities at the capital.

We hope you join the District J office in cheering on the many riders who are participating this weekend.   

2013 Houston International Festival:  BRAZIL

Discount tickets and more information about the festival are online at www.ifest.org.

Vestido Rojo 2013 - April 27  

*Please note the corrected date.*

Go Red Por Tu Corazón is hosting it's Vesitdo Rojo 2013 event on Saturday, April 27, at Sharpstown High School from 8am to 1pm.  Go Red Por Tu Corazón is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke among Latin women. This event is designed to present that information in a culturally relevant way to the Hispanic community.

Registration is required to attend by calling 713-610-5008 - leave your name and number on a voicemail. You will receive a call back to confirm your registration.

First Annual Willow Waterhole Jazz Festival - April 28

District J Spotlight:  Sign Up Now to be a Part of the 21st Annual Gulfton Festival 

Gulfton Citizen's Advisory Council, Gulfton Youth Development and Gulfton Houston Police Department Storefront invite you to participate in the 21st Annual Gulfton Festival sponsored by Kroger's. The location of the festival this year will be at Burnett Bayland Park, 6200 Chimney Rock, Houston, Texas 77081, on Saturday, May 18th, 2013.