Time to Roll Up Our Sleeves . . .

The Christmas decorations are coming down and the New Years celebrations are over. Resolutions have been made, and by now, some have probably been broken. Slowly, each of us are getting back into the swing of the work week and taking stock of tasks needing attention this year. Such is the case for District J.

Your District J staff is currently in the process of making our "to do" lists for 2014. Whether it is preparing for the upcoming District J CIP Meeting, getting our neighborhoods ready for the expansion of the Chapter 42 development provisions, attending to Super Neighborhood Council or civic association meetings, or working with residents and businesses to identify concerns that need to be addressed, 2014 is shaping up to be a busy and productive year. 

We need your help though. Contact us and let us know of upcoming meetings, events, or projects that need attention. We look forward to working with you to make 2014 a great year for District J.

Thanks and Farewell . . .
      
The new year has brought changes to your District J staff.  Leah Olive-Nishioka, Communications Director for District J announced her decision to pursue new career options. I know you will join me in thanking her for her service to the people of District J and wish her well on future endeavors.

- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J 

Houston Symphony to Perform Free Concert at HBU

On January 18th at 7:30 pm, the Houston Symphony will perform a free concert at Dunham Theater located in the Morris Cultural Arts Center at HBU. Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings will be the featured compositions. Concertmaster Frank Huang will perform as soloist and lead the orchestra. Admission is free, but you must RSVP here. 

Braeburn Village Apartments Named the

100th Blue Star Community in Houston

Houston Police Department recognized and certified the 100th property to join its Blue Star Multi-Housing Program, which is designed to enhance the safety and quality of life for apartment complex residents. Braeburn Village Apartments, located at 7500 Bissonnet across from Sharpstown High School, received the certification on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.

The Blue Star Multi-Housing Program is designed to be a cooperative effort between apartment managers and owners, apartment residents and law enforcement to abate crime and to enhance the quality of life for citizens living in multi-family communities. Apartment communities that receive the Blue Star designation have successfully completed three phases of the program and met the minimum standards for certification. It is hoped that, over time, more apartment managers apply for, and prospective residents recognize the Blue Star Multi-Housing certification to promote a safer and cleaner community with a higher quality of life.

Anyone with questions about their multi-family property becoming Blue Star certified can contact HPD officers D. Clark and L. Ferguson at 713-308-3900.

These Boots are Made for Running!

Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon

The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon will be held Sunday, January 19th. The 2014 race will mark the 42nd running of the Houston Marathon.

The first marathon, held on December 30, 1972, featured 113 runners and a crowd of approximately 200 people. It has steadily grown to attract more than 20,000 entrants from around the world and 200,000 spectators, making it the largest single day sporting event in the city.

The annual 26.2, 13.1 and 3.1 mile run begins and ends at Downtown's George R. Brown Convention Center. The course takes runners past scenic Houston areas and communities-including Houston Heights and Neartown, past Hermann Park and Rice University, over to Uptown, and then through Memorial Park and Allen Parkway.

You can help your favorite runner raise money for their selected charity, or simply make a direct donation to your charity of choice, by clicking here.

HPD's Positive Interaction Programs

Below are the dates and times for the PIP Meetings in District J. Council Member Laster encourages all of our constituents to attend any of these important meetings. (Some PIP meetings are focused more toward apartment management, as indicated below)

South Gessner Division

Braeburn Storefront PIP

Third Tuesday of each month, at 7pm

Braeburn Storefront, 7576 W. Bellfort

Apartment PIP

Fourth Tuesday of every other month (starting February), at 12 noon

Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star

Midwest Division

Divisional PIP

Third Wednesday of each month, at 7pm

Midwest Command Sub-Station, 7277 Regency Square

Apartment PIP

Third Wednesday of each month, at 11:30am

Richmond Avenue Storefront, 6308 Richmond

Westside Division

Divisional PIP

Third Thursday of each month, at 7pm

Westside Command Sub-Station (3^rd Floor Training Room), 3203 Dairy Ashford

Apartment PIP

Third Wednesday of each month, at 11:30am

Westside Tennis Club (2^nd Floor), 1200 Wilcrest

January is National Blood Donor Month  

At the start of a new year and new resolutions, the District J office asks you to consider resolving to become a blood donor.  January is National Blood Donor Month and many companies and organizations around Houston are hosting blood drives.

If you would like to become a blood donor, please visit the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank's website here to find a blood drive near you.