Like Deja Vu - It's Recycling All Over Again... 

We in your District J office take pride in our goal to place quality constituent service at the top of our priority list. However, prioritizing customer service takes on a whole new meaning when one of our most persistent - if not persnickety - constituents also works in the office. 

When I asked Sharon Shanahan, a longtime resident of Sharpstown, to join the District J staff as Administrative Services Director she did not want to negotiate salary or benefits. Instead, she looked me squarely in the eye and said, "I will only join the team if you promise to get me a big green single stream recycling bin!!!" Well, ok then. Who could say no to that?

You can imagine how thrilled I was this past week to learn that the Solid Waste Department had chosen the following eleven District J neighborhoods - one of which is Sharon's - to receive single stream recycling bins: Richmond Plaza, Saint George/Lamar Terrace, Sharpstown Sections 1, 1a, 2, 3, and 5, Sharpstown Country Club Terrace 1 and 2, Shenandoah. The Solid Waste Department will be announcing the date of delivery of the green 96 gallon Toter bins soon. I understand that once a household receives its bin, the automated Single Stream recycling pick up will begin on the next regularly scheduled recycling day. Many thanks to Director Harry Hayes and the whole staff of the Solid Waste Department for working with our office to extend recycling services to these District J neighborhoods.

Just when I thought that I could now check my recycling bin promise to Sharon off my to do list, she corrected my understanding by clarifying her request. "No, I expect to get bins in every District J neighborhood!" she let me know within minutes of learning that the bins were coming to her street. I guess nothing breeds the desire for success like a little success.

So, today we celebrate expanded recycling in District J. Tomorrow we start working for even more recycling opportunities in the neighborhoods of District J. Thanks, Sharon for pushing us forward.

TXU's 21st Annual Turkey Trot is around the corner!

Move your feet before you eat! Register TODAY for the 21st Annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot benefiting Neighborhood Centers and Sheltering Arms Senior Services. Runners, walkers, families, and kids are all invited to join. Early registration runs now through November 22; online registration ends November 26. Make the Turkey Trot your family's healthy and fun Thanksgiving tradition!

Last year's Turkey Trot was officially the BEST Trot yet! More than 13,700 participants trotted together to raise a record amount of funds for seniors in Houston. Let's make 2013 even better!

To participate, volunteer, donate and sponsor, visit HoustonTurkeyTrot.org.

SCA and HBU team up to tackle trash

Tomorrow, October 19, the Sharpstown Civic Association and students from Houston Baptist University are joining forces for a litter and trash pick up around Sharpstown. 

Participants will meet at the Burger King located next to HBU (7406 Fondren Rd) at 8am. If you have any questions or would like to join in, please contact Charmaine LeBlanc, SCA Secretary, at (281) 687-1323.

Reminder: don't block that sidewalk!

Many District J residents may not be aware that it is illegal to park a car in a private driveway if it blocks pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk. State of Texas Transportation Code Section 545.302(a)(2) states that "an operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on a sidewalk." If there is a public sidewalk present on a private property, that sidewalk continues to exist as the public right of way. This law exists to encourage pedestrians to use sidewalks safely without being forced into streets.

We encourage all District J residents to park in their garages or car parks when possible. Residents can also park far enough forward in a private driveway so as not to block sidewalk access, or park on the street.

If you have any questions, please contact the District J office at 832-393-3315.

Celebrate My Drive 2013

The Houston Fire Department and State Farm Insurance are pleased to announce Celebrate My Drive 2013, a community celebration of teen driver safety. Celebrate My Drive emphasizes the positives of making safe choices behind the wheel, as teens celebrate the freedom that comes with earning a driver's license.

Getting a driver's license is one of the greatest joys in a person's life, but the first year behind the wheel can be one of the most dangerous. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. For this reason, Celebrate My Drive is engaging entire communities, especially high schools and their students, in safe driving celebrations. Leading up to and during National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18-26, 2013, State Farm agents will host special events across the U.S. and Canada to celebrate new drivers and teens who are learning to drive or are about to get on the road. They will provide tools and activities designed to reinforce safe driving practices.

You are invited to be part of the conversation and celebration about teen driver safety. The event is taking place:

Metropolitan Multi-Service Center

1475 West Gray

Houston, Texas 77019

Saturday, October 19th

9:00am-1:00pm

More than 25 high schools in and around your district have registered to participate in Celebrate My Drive 2013, and have the chance to win a State Farm grant of $100,000 and a hometown concert by a Grammy Award winner Kelly Clarkson.

For more information, www.celebratemydrive.com. 

Halloween Safety for your little ghoulies

The District J office hopes that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween. As you plan parties or trick-or-treating, decorate your home, carve pumpkins, and assemble costumes, we encourage all residents of District J to keep safety first in their thoughts. 

If you would like tips on how to ensure your Halloween fun is safe, we recommend checking out the following links:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Centers for Disease Control
• National Fire Protection Association
• Safe Kids Worldwide
• USA.gov

Early Voting Information

Early voting begins this coming Monday, October 21, and lasts until Friday, November 1.

Registered voters may vote at any early voting location. To look up the most convenient location to you or view a sample ballot, please visit www.harrisvotes.com for more information.