Happy Holidays!

It never fails, Thanksgiving shows up, and then chaos ensues. Everyone suddenly seems to realize that Christmas and the end of the year are near. We all try to move heaven and earth to get the last minute or end of year work done, prepare for the holidays, and hope to find time to enjoy ourselves. Juggling all that can be a tall order if not absolutely maddening.

As we move to toward the holidays, I would like to thank you for allowing me and your District J staff to serve you during this past year and for giving us another term to serve you in the coming next two years. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with each of you in making District J a better community for us all.

My wish is that you and your loved ones take time to reflect on the lessons and successes of the past year, that you make bold plans for the coming New Year, and most importantly that, you share your love with those who matter most in your lives.

Allow me to wish you and yours a joyous Holiday Season, a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year.

The Police and Clergy Team (PACT) and Council Member Mike Laster are hosting the 4th annual 'Spark of Love Children's Christmas Luncheon and Toy Giveaway'. The event will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Reception Hall located inside the PlazAmericas Mall at the corner of Bellaire Blvd. and the 59 Southwest Freeway, 7500 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036. 

In a Santa's village-like setting, guests are provided a sit-down hot lunch, have their pictures taken with Santa Claus, play games, and enjoy the festive entertainment. Of course, the high point of the event is the visit to the North Pole where Santa's Elves assist youngsters in selecting age-appropriate gifts. In addition, parents and guardians are encouraged to participate and register for opportunities to win door prizes. 

If you are interested in contributing to this event, please contact Veronica Hernandez at 713-560-1153, or Larry Frank. The Police and Clergy Team is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization. 

Technology on the Go! - Houston Public Library Mobile Express

The Houston Public Library is ready to bring fun, informative technology to your doorstep with the new Mobile Express! This "computer lab on wheels" is equipped with 13 desktop computers, seven laptops, and a large-screen television and will provide programs and services for all ages. It will focus on high-need communities in the Houston area, including community centers, schools and housing developments.

The mobile unit will provide a variety of services including: workforce development, resume writing and job search assistance, Live Homework Help, literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities, digital literacy and computer training classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and citizenship preparation courses, as well as many other options.

To request the HPL Mobile Express, review the guidelines listed online at the link provided, and contact Houston Public Library at 832-393-1378 or by e-mail.

Crime Stoppers' Safe School Program Has its Eye on our Future

There are many great developments coming to the Crime Stoppers' Safe School Program this fall! The first-ever Elementary Level Safe School Program for grades Pre-K through 5th will be launched in 14 pilot schools. Up to now, the program has only been geared toward middle and high school students. Structured as a method of prevention, the multi-media program will follow a nine-month curriculum and will focus on cultivating positive character and community traits among some of our youngest scholars.

The Safe School Program is also proud to announce the first-ever partnership with the University of Houston's College of Education. Students will help teach the curriculum, do research, and perform testing and analysis-all while earning college credits! Thanks to this partnership, the Safe School Program will be able to positively impact more families across Harris County.

Created in 1997, the Safe School Program has been committed to its goal of cultivating and educating the youth of today in order to prevent the crimes of tomorrow. The program has trained over 945,000 students about campus safety and helped solve 1,785 school related cases. As always, Crime Stoppers encourages everyone to report crimes anonymously and without retaliation to the TIPLINE, at 713-222-TIPS.

Recycling Used Cooking Oil

An important message from the Department of Public Works:

The holidays are upon us, and that means cooking turkeys, hams and other foods that either require cooking oils to prepare, or that generate a surplus of grease when cooked.

Used cooking oils and greases, when disposed down the kitchen drain, cool, harden and clog the pipes. Diluting it in hot soapy water is NOT a solution. You can avoid possible clogged drains for the holidays by putting excess grease in a disposable container and put it in the trash or drop-off at a place that recycles and turns it into a usable product, such as biodiesel.

In conjunction with the Solid Waste Department, the West Park Consumer Recycling Center is a designated drop-off point where residents can take used cooking oils/greases for recycling.

5900 Westpark
Houston, TX 77057

Phone: 713-837-0311

Facility Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8am - 5pm

For more information, please visit the Corral the Grease Program website.

District J Spotlight: Big Green Bins!

Now that most of our District J residents have the "big green bins" for single stream recycling, it's time to brush up on the City of Houston's recycling program and policies.

Unless you have received official notification from the City, your regular recycling and trash schedules have not changed.

Placement: 

• Bins need to placed on the curb by 7am, just like your black garbage bin.
• Please leave 3 feet of space between the bins or anything else that is on your curb, such as mail boxes, trees, or cars.
• The handle should face your home.