City Seal
From the Office of Council Member Mike Laster 
Distric
t Journal
Official Newsletter of Houston City Council District J

Friday, May 2, 2014
Mike Laster - Flipped
832.393.3015
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002

PO Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251-1562

Matt Brollier
Chief of Operations

Agenda & Policy Director

Sharon Shanahan
Administrative Services Director
 
Constituent and Community Affairs Director
  
Community Links


District J Parks 

City Contacts 

HPD (non-emergency) 

713.884.3131

 

Anti-Gang Office 

832.393.0931

 

Mayor's Citizens' Assistance 832.393.0955

 

Department of Neighborhoods 832.393.1038

 

Health & Human Services

832.393.5169

 

Parks Department 

832.395.7000

 

Public Works & Engineering 832.395.2511

 

Solid Waste Management 713.956.6589


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A Month of "Happy's" . . .

 

 

It may not feel like we have turned the corner and made it to May (isn't the high today 68?!) but believe it or not, May is upon us! This upcoming Monday, Cinco de Mayo celebrations will abound, and whether you take the kids to the Children's Museum for Ballet Folkl�rico or head over to Minute Maid Park for the Cinco de Mayo Parade tomorrow, I hope you and your loved ones have a fun, safe time.

 

Is that "Pomp and Circumstance" I hear in the air? I want to extend a hearty congratulations to the many young graduates who will don their gowns and turn their tassels this month. Let's wish them the best, whether they choose to continue their academic quests or enter into the workforce!

 

And don't forget to get Mom a gift ... May 11th is Mother's Day! While we as Houstonians know to never count on the weather, we know we can always count on the company of our friends and family to truly make these occasions "Happy!"

    

Regards,

 

 Mike Laster - signature

 

- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J 

Fun for the Whole Family!

  

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church will be holding the 2014 Bazaar this Sunday, May 4th, from 11AM to 9PM. There will be games and rides with an international variety of food, as well as arts and crafts and a live auction! The church is located at 8200 Rood Rd., 77036 - We hope to see you there! 

22nd Gulfton Festival Coming Soon

 

Gulfton Festival

Mark your calendars! The 22nd Annual Gulfton Festival will be happening on Saturday, May 17th from 11:30am to 2:00pm. The parade will begin at 11:00am at Benavidez Elementary School and will travel down Gulfton to Chimney Rock ending at Burnett-Bayland Park's Pavilion. There will also be games, music, food and a dunking booth featuring some of HPD's finest!

 

The proceeds from the Gulfton Festival go to support the Gulfton HPD Storefront. If you would like to register to be in the parade or be a vendor at the festival, or if you'd like more information, visit the link provided above.

Prayer at Public Session

Higher Dimension Church Leads Council

 

 

A special thanks to Pastor John Johnson and Nickcole Byrd for coming down to City Hall on April 22nd to lead public session in prayer and the pledge. Higher D has been an important part of the Westwood community for a while, and your District J office looks forward to working with them on community initiatives in the future.

Fine Arts Symposium Tonight

At Sharpstown High School

  

The annual Sharpstown Fine Arts Symposium will be held this evening, Friday May 2nd, from 6pm to 9pm on the Sharpstown High School campus. This event will showcase Fine Arts programs, including band, theatre, dance, visual arts exhibitions and performances, and will include local middle school groups.

 

Admission is $3 for students and senior citizens, $5 general admission, and $8 VIP (includes snacks, gifts, and admission). For event information or questions, call the Sharpstown Theatre Department at 713-773-6127.

Free Health Care Advice

New 24 Hour Call Center

 
Regardless of your healthcare affiliation, primary care provider, or insurance status, a bilingual staff of Registered Nurses and Community Health Workers is available 24/7 to answer your questions. The new Nurse Health Line - 713-338-7979 has been implemented by the Memorial Hermann Health System to direct callers to the most appropriate health care options for their concerns, and to answer general health concerns. 

 

More than 46% of all patients treated and released from emergency rooms in Harris County are primary care treatable, because patients do not have the clinical knowledge to properly determine the severity of their symptoms. Though this service is not meant to act as a replacement for emergency services, it will help relieve emergency rooms that are unable to meet the needs of patients in a timely manner, because they are at capacity.

 

All calls to the Nurse Health Line are confidential and addressed by a staff of professionals who are experienced in the assessment of clinical situations. 

CrimeStoppers Reception

 

 

Council Members Laster and Nguyen, CrimeStoppers President Rania Mankarius, and many others attended the Crime Stoppers Reception this past Tuesday. A special thanks to Crime Stoppers for all the work they do to curb crime in Houston . . . and don't forget to call 713-222-TIPS when you wish to report, or have any information on, criminal activity.

CommUnity Food Fair

On May 10th from 9am to 12pm

 

The Houston Food Bank and Unity of Houston volunteers will be on site at Unity Church, located at 2929 Unity Drive at Fairdale, distributing fresh produce and other food items. SNAP (state food stamp program) applications and other support services will be available as well.

 

Each household can pick up one grocery order. Please bring your own grocery bags or boxes to carry your food, as well as photo ID and information for everyone in your household.

Upcoming Events

Calendar2
  
Please refer to the Community Events Calendar on our website for the time, location and other event details.

New events are added every
week. Be sure to check it often!
  
  
Friday, May 2
  • Sharpstown High School Fine Arts Symposium 6:00pm
Sunday, May 4
  •  St. Francis de Sales Bazaar 11:00a
Monday, May 5
  •  Braeburn Valley Civic Assc. Meeting 7:00pm
Tuesday, May 6
  •  Sharpstown Rotary Club 11:45am
  •  City Council - Public Session 1:30pm
  •  Brays Oaks Super Neighborhood #36 Meeting 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 7
  •  City Council 9:00am
Thursday, May 8
  •  Braeburn Valley West Board Meeting 7:00pm
Saturday, May 10
  • Unity Church Food Fair 9:00am
Monday, May 12
  •  Mid West Super Neighborhood #20 Meeting 7:00pm
Tuesday, May 13
  •  Sharpstown Rotary Club 11:45am
  •  City Council - Public Session 1:30pm
  •  AARP Chapter 50 Meeting 1:30pm
Wednesday, May 14
  •  City Council 9:00am
  •  Gulfton Area Service Provider Meeting 12:00pm

Saturday, May 17

  • 22nd Annual Gulfton Festival 11:00am