The Beginning of the End . . .

Well, it's here. School starts Monday, August 26th for most local school districts. Summer is over!

I can't tell which sound is louder - the collective groan of the kids or the sigh of relief of the parents and care-givers.

For the past week or so, people have been scrambling to get back to school supplies and clothes together. Just last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the "5th Annual Back to School Drive" sponsored by La Rosa Family Services and a multitude of others at PlazAmericas Mall. Thousands of kids and families needing assistance showed up to collect backpacks, school supplies and attend a health fair. Kudos to Nelvin Adriatico, Event Chairman, and the extensive team of volunteers for making this event a premiere example of how the big hearted folks who live in District J serve our neighbors. 

Later that same day, I stopped by India House' Urban Youth Explosion. This annual event is a way for the kids who attend India House' summer programs to blow off steam one last time. From water slides to cotton candy to plastic soda bottle rocket demonstrations the day held fun for all. Thanks to Yolanda Benoit and the dedicated staff at India House for once again shepherding our kids through a safe summer and giving families a wholesome option for summer child care.

As we prepare for the start of the new school year lets be mindful that morning and after school traffic will change. Reduce your drive time stress by scheduling extra time to drive through those school zones. Look for the flashing lights, slow down, get off the phone and for goodness sake, please don't text and drive. Let's all be good neighbors and look after our little ones.

Be safe,

Holiday Greetings & Celebrations

The District J office would like to wish our Hindu friends a happy Krishna Janmashtami on August 8 as they commemorate the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna.

The District J office would also like to wish our Jewish friends a Happy New Year as they celebrate Rosh Hashanah beginning at sundown on September 4.

Your District J office will be closed Monday, September 2, in honor of Labor Day. We wish everyone a wonderful Labor Day.

Hurricane Readiness - After the Storm

By now, you probably have a pretty good idea what preparations you need to make before a storm. But what about AFTER a storm? 

The City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross make the following recommendations:

• Continue to listen to local news coverage for updates on weather and road conditions and instructions from officials.
• Avoiding driving until your area's roads are completely cleared of debris.
• Check all food for spoilage and boil tap water before drinking unless your officials declare it safe.
• Carefully evaluate your home for damage. Be aware of broken glass, down power lines, and other hazards. Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Stay out of buildings that have water around them.
• Inform your insurance company of any damage. Take photos of any damage.
• Keep pets secured indoors until all broken glass is picked up and your fences are secured.
• Use flashlights, not candles, if your power is out.

20th Annual Theater District Open House - August 25

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Health Summit & Business Expo - August 28

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Health Summit & Business Expo on Wednesday, August 28, at the Hilton Americas located at 1600 Lamar next to the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The event will feature over 50 exhibitors and attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from the top regarding the latest in healthcare, the Affordable Care Act, and options for businesses.

Registration is required.

METRO Labor Day Weekend Free Fares! - August 31 to September 2

METRO is excited to announce they will be offering a free fare weekend for all bus and rail service over Labor Day weekend (Saturday, August 31st through Monday, September 2nd). We encourage you to take advantage of those Labor Day sales and fun activities taking place all over Houston while riding METRO for free! Please spread the word to your communities, clients, and partners so that they can take advantage of this opportunity.

Please note that METRO's Park and Ride service will not be operating over the Labor Day holiday due to holiday hours.

District J Spotlight - Houston Fire Department Station 68

The next station in District J's Houston Fire Department series is Station 68, the headquarters of HFD District 68. Located at 8602 Bissonnet at the corner of Gessner, the station was built in 1972 and it's official opening was in 1973. It was last renovated in 1991 and is scheduled for another renovation in the near future. 

Station 68 is staffed by a crew of 16 per shift and has a Squad of 2 paramedics, a BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance with 2 EMT's, an engine, a ladder, and the District Chief vehicle. 

Station 68 is one of the busiest in Houston, according to Captain Watson, a 33 year HFD veteran with 25 years at Station 68. Its crew responds mostly to EMS (emergency medical service) calls, and the station averages about 60 runs per day. The majority of the runs go to nearby apartment buildings. Captain Watson recalled that one of the more unusual calls he responded to was for a man who had climbed an electrical transmission tower in the nude near Gessner and Triola. Power had to be shut off to the area before they could retrieve the man. 

Station 68's logo, seen above, was designed by Captain Russel Harris, now retired, and has been used for about 20 years. Captain Watson said he wasn't sure why Yosemite Sam was used, but "everybody liked it, and we've stuck with it." The station motto, "Fueled By Fire, Driven By Courage" reflects the bravery of the men and women of Station 68 and their commitment to protecting the people of Houston. 

If you are interested in making a donation to the Houston Texas Fire Fighter's Federal Credit Union to assist the families of Firefighter Robert Garner, Firefighter Anne Sullivan or Captain William Dowling, Station 68 members lost or injured in the May 31 fire at the Southwest Inn, that information may be found here.

We hope you will join your District J office in offering our thanks and gratitude to the men and women of HFD and Station 68.