Welcome... 

If you have called the District J Office recently, you may have noticed a new voice. That would be Eric Widaski. Eric will be serving you as a Council Aide. A 2012 graduate of the University of Houston, Eric achieved his Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Among other duties, he will be assisting your District J office in answering telephone calls and handling constituent service requests. Welcome to the District J team, Eric.  

Happy Thanksgivukkah...

Since our next, regularly scheduled newsletter falls on the Thanksgiving holiday, allow me to wish you all a very meaningful and Happy Thanksgiving.

Of course by now you know there has to be more to this story.

It seems that for the first time since 1888 Thanksgiving and the first full day of the Jewish eight day festival of lights -- Hanukkah -- coincide. In celebration of this unique convergence, the next occurrence of which some have calculated to be 70,000 years in the future, our Jewish friends and neighbors are making the most of this unique holiday. So in lieu of the traditional Happy Hanukkah greetings, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgivukkah!!!

Wishing you all safe journeys and rich blessings.

The Philippines - How You Can Help

Mayor Annise Parker's office released the following information via CitizensNet:

Houstonians mourn with the rest of the nation for the lives lost during Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. My prayers and thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, but also with those who are struggling to recover from the devastation.

There are many opportunities available for those wanting to assist with the immediate relief effort. You can donate to the Red Cross here: Donate to The Philippines Typhoon efforts. More ways to help are available through donations to UNICEF's Relief Efforts and Doctors Without Borders. In addition, the U.S. State Department has more information about other relief organizations accepting donations at http://www.state.gov/.

These organizations are working in cooperation with the military and other agencies to coordinate the federal relief effort. They are the ones with the mechanisms in place to take donations at this time.

Families of Americans living in the Philippines are encouraged to contact the State Department at 888-407-4747.

A candlelight vigil is planned for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan on Friday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, Hermann Square, 901 Bagby. For additional information, please contact 832-393-0700 or protocol@houstontx.gov.

28th Annual Comida/Food Drive

The and the Houston Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association are preparing for the 28th Annual Comida/Food Drive to help feed less fortunate families during the holiday season. Since December 1985, when several HPD officers responded to a call for service and saw a family in need, the Department has worked with its partners, Fiesta Mart and Pepsi Cola, to distribute food boxes to Houston's under privileged families.

The Comida/Food Drive has become one of the largest food drives in Houston. Last year, the drive provided 3,500 families with a box of food for the holidays thanks to generous donors, along with the effort and support of sponsors and volunteers who have contributed both time and money to guarantee the food drive's success.

The Houston Police Foundation provides support for those who wish to make a cash donation online with a credit card at: houstonpolicefoundation.com. On-line donations can be made through December 7.  

Additionally, citizens are also encouraged to visit one of the following Fiesta Mart locations to make a donation of cash or food.

The following Fiesta Marts in or near District J will be collecting food and cash donations from noon to 8pm on December 5 and 6 and from 9am to 5pm on December 7 and 8. 

• 6200 Bellaire Boulevard
• 11240 Fondren Road

Rotary Fire Fighters Home - Service Above Self

The Houston Fire Department has announced plans for the Rotary Fire Fighters Home. The home will work closely with the Texas Medical Center to provide temporary, full-furnished housing to firefighters while they are undergoing treatment for on-the-job injuries and work related medical conditions. Firefighters from all over the nation, as well as internationally, will receive housing while undergoing treatment.

The Rotary Club of University Area Houston celebrated the fundraising kick-off on October 18 with City of Houston officials, representatives of the Houston Fire Department, the Houston Fire Fighters Association, and members of the medical community - all of whom helped get this project off the ground. Special thanks were given to Sam's Club on South Rice for their generous contribution as well. 

District J has a special place in its heart for firefighters and we are proud and thankful for all of the work the Houston Fire Department does to keep our communities and residents safe. If you would like more information or make a donation to the Rotary Fire Fighters Home, we encourage you to visit their website.

City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade 

This year's parade pays tribute to Houston by showcasing the city's finest - from fashion, food and heroes; to culture, sports and talent; adding a much needed makeover to this 64-year tradition.

Gates open at 7:00am; Parade starts 9:00am in downtown Houston.

Easy access parking is available along the route. Metro buses will be running on holiday schedule.

Click here for more information.

Reminder - Turkey Trot

It's not too late! 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 ends November 22; online registration is available until November 26. 

Make the Turkey Trot your family's healthy and fun Thanksgiving tradition!

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

Reminder - Saint Francis de Sales Holiday Market

St.  Francis de Sales Parish's Catholic Women's Organization (CWO) and Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) are hosting their annual Holiday Market on Saturday, November 23, at the Beck Athletic Center (8100 Roos). 

There will be crafts, jewelry, holiday decorations, handmade clothing items, homemade jams and jellies, wreaths, art, and woodwork. Food, drinks, bake sale, and raffles too!

All proceeds from booth reservations and refreshment sales go to CDA and CWO community projects. 

For more information, please contact Mary Overbeck at 713-594-3665 or Debbie Grassman at 832-494-8366.