Confirmed panelists include long-time icons of the Houston political community: The Honorable former Mayor Lee P. Brown, current City Council Members C.O. “Brad” Bradford and Oliver Pennington, along with former City Council Members Pam Holm, Gracie Saenz and Dr. Martha Wong.
The panelists understand City Hall operations and the critical issues surrounding Houston today. All are elected officials having demonstrated continuous engagement in local issues and Houston’s future.
“This is a critical time for our city to elect a mayor to provide the leadership required to move Houston forward,” Bradford said. “I appreciate the other panelists and candidates who are participating, and the community groups in attendance that will hear the candidates’ visions for our city.”
Mayoral candidates with active websites and finance reports filed as of today are invited to participate:
▪ Former Congressman Chris Bell
▪ Council Member Stephen Costello
▪ Former Sheriff Adrian Garcia
▪ Former City Attorney Ben Hall
▪ Former Mayor of Kemah Bill King
▪ Marty McVey
▪ State Representative Sylvester Turner
The forum is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the adjacent garage.
20-Mile Bike Ride Benefiting Hermann Park Conservancy
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Join us for the 2nd AnnualPark to PortBike Ride on Saturday, October 3, 2015. The 20-mile ride will start in Hermann Park, travel east along Brays Bayou to the Port of Houston and return along the same path, heading west, to Hermann Park for a post-ride celebration. Riders can also turn around at MacGregor Park for a shorter ride.
Not interested in riding, but still want to participate? We are actively seeking volunteers to fill various positions. Grab a few friends to come out and help! Contact volunteer@hermannpark.org for more information on specific volunteer duties.
All proceeds benefit Hermann Park Conservancy.
NOTE: This is a ride, not a race! Riders are encouraged to follow the laws of the road and be aware of those around you. All riders must wear a helmet. You must be at least 10 years old to participate. No training wheels allowed.
Curious where the ride will take you? We are following the same route as last year with a few minor changes. A new map will be available soon!
For more information, click here or call 713-524-5876.
Please share the event with your friends on Facebook!
Fresh Food Game Changer Brings Unique Concept to Cinco Ranch Area
Houston, TX (August 2015) – PDQ, which stands for People Dedicated to Quality, is set to open its second Houston location on Sunday, August 23. PDQ customers will enjoy the convenient location off Grand Parkway – 23703 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494. The fast casual restaurant concept specializes in fresh food fast. PDQ Cinco Ranch will be one of the first to offer nuggets, the all-new Cali Club Sandwich and both bacon and avocado as add-ons.
Although PDQ is frequently referred to as “Pretty Darn Quick,” the fast casual restaurant prides itself on the quality control that goes into the food preparation. All menu items including delicious salads, sandwiches and hand-spun milkshakes are made to order on site utilizing only the freshest ingredients and all meals are generally served within two minutes. The fresh-cut fries are cut in-store from fresh whole potatoes, and the 12 signature dipping sauces and salad dressings are made daily in-house to guarantee quality.
“Cinco Ranch was a natural selection for our next location,” says Tim Madonna, market director of PDQ Southern Texas. “We place a great emphasis on our relationship with our neighbors. We were drawn by deep roots established here and look forward to becoming a consistent fixture within the community’s landscape.”
PDQ stands out from other fast food chains and quick service restaurants by featuring an open kitchen, allowing guests to catch a glimpse of the food preparation from start to finish in the restaurant or through the expansive windows along the sides of the building as they drive through. The 4,300 sq ft. Cinco Ranch location will feature table seating accommodating up to 140 diners.
PDQ’s famous crispy tenders are always a hit but the menu features a variety of options that cater to everyone’s particular palate. The high quality fresh chicken, which comes in tender meals, sandwiches and salads, can also be grilled or substituted for turkey. The hand-tossed salads are made with fresh local produce and can be paired with seven homemade salad dressings.
“At PDQ, freshness is the name of the game,” says Bob Basham, PDQ’s principal owner and the co-Founder of Outback Steakhouse. “We’re not your typical fast food restaurant, we pride ourselves on being People Dedicated to Quality. We always focus on the highest quality while providing the PDQ guest with fast, friendly service.”
PDQ is founded on the concept that high-quality food, memorable service and genuine hospitality are the cornerstones of an excellent restaurant. PDQ prides itself on a friendly environment focused on the highest customer service.
About PDQ:
Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and MVP Holdings CEO Nick Reader are the two principal owners of PDQ. The partners spent more than two years developing the concept behind the brand and quality of the food and establishments. On October 30, 2011, the original PDQ restaurant opened its doors and the concept now has 44 locations throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. PDQ prides itself on delicious sandwiches and salads made with the finest ingredients and their signature sauces and dressings are homemade every day. Restaurant Business Magazine recently named PDQ as the #1 fastest growing small chain in America, Nation’s Restaurant News chose PDQ as a 2014 Hot Concepts recipient and QSR Magazine named PDQ its July 2014 One to Watch. All menu items are under $10 and combo meals start as low as $7.69. PDQ is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with dine-in seating and a drive-thru. Catering is also available for events and carryout. PDQ Cinco Ranch is located at 23703 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy, TX 77494. For more information, visit www.eatPDQ.com.
Voluntary recall specific only to stores in the Houston, Central Texas and the Gulf Coast areas
H-E-B has issued a voluntary recall specifically for the Hill Country Fare One Gallon Spring Water with the Best By date of December 19, 2015 due to the possible presence of a milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. There have been no consumer complaints or reports of illness.
H-E-B discovered the issue on September 1, 2015 during quality assurance product reviews. This recall is specific to one gallon containers of Hill Country Fare Spring Water with a Best By Date of December 19, 2015. No other H-E-B or Hill Country Fare products are impacted by this voluntary recall.
This voluntary recall is specific to stores located in Houston, Central Texas and the Gulf Coast. All impacted items have been removed. H-E-B is asking customers that may have purchased the impacted product to return it to their H-E-B store for a full refund.
The affected product is:
Hill Country Fare Spring Water One Gallon containers with Best By dates of December 19, 2015
“H-E-B takes every precaution necessary to ensure the integrity and quality of the products sold in our stores,” said Winell Herron, Group Vice President of Public Affairs and Diversity. “This voluntary recall has been issued in an abundance of caution to maintain the highest standards of food safety for our customers.”
Customers who purchased the affected product can return the product to H-E-B for a full refund. Customers with concerns or questions may contact H-E-B Customer Relations at 210-938-8357 or 1-800-432-3113 between the hours of 8AM and 5PM CST Monday through Friday.
Beech-Nut teams up with Target to give moms and dads access to its organic real food for babies
A parent’s shopping list can seem endless will all the diapers, pacifiers, blankets and onesies. That’s why Beech-Nut Nutrition Company has teamed up with select Target stores to make parents’ shopping trips a little easier when it comes to selecting nutritious, organic baby food along with their other baby needs, bringing even more organic food options to parents at Target stores. The new Beech-Nut ® Organics ™ line is now available in select Target store locations nationwide as an option for parents looking for real food for babies ™.
Select Target Stores in Houston now have 12 blends of organic fruits and vegetables for parents to choose from. Beech-Nut is inspired by parents making homemade baby food, pushing the boundaries of food combinations and using high quality ingredients. The Organics™ line comes in transparent honeypot glass jars, and features the USDA-certified organic seal. Earlier this year, Beech-Nut listed the percentage breakdown of ingredients in all of its foods to ensure parents have full transparency about what does – and does not – go into the food they feed their baby. The following stores in Houston are carrying the brand:
Store T0684, 1100 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Store T0955, 4323 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77027
Store T1336, 8500 S Main St, Houston, TX 77025
Store T1435, 984 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77024
Store T1908, 23710 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy, TX 77494
Store T1975, 300 Meyerland Plaza Mall, Houston, TX 77096
Store T2093, 2580 Shearn St, Houston, TX 77007
“We’re excited to be partnering with Target to give parents access to our new Organics™ line in a place where they often shop for many of their other baby needs,” said Jeff Boutelle, president of Beech-Nut. “Our partnership with Target is helping us achieve our mission of helping parents feed their babies real food that’s as close to homemade as possible – what you see listed on the jar is exactly what you get.”
From single blends like Organics™ just sweet potatoes and Organics™ just pears, to more adventurous blends like Organics ™ just apple, raspberry & avocado and Organics™ apple, pumpkin & granola, there’s something for every baby’s taste now at 300 Target stores nationwide. The Organics™ line uses Beech-Nut’s signature just gentle cooking™ process that does not add any excess water or cook away any of the fruits’ and vegetables’ wholesome nutrients. To learn more about the Organics™ line, visit Beech-Nut’s website. To find a location near you, visit the Beech-Nut locater page.
Follow Beech-Nut at Facebook.com/BeechNut or @BeechNutFoods (Twitter and Instagram).
FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – On August 24, 2015 Fort Bend County was notified by the Texas Secretary of State that its application to participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program has been approved for the November 3, 2015 election. According to Elections Administrator John Oldham, the implementation of this program will mean that any eligible Fort Bend voter can cast an Election Day ballot at any county polling location. For the November 3rdelection, the county anticipates having 80 polling sites open. “Election Day will be like Early Voting with voters able to cast ballots at a polling location most convenient to them. Under this program, there will be no wrong place to vote”, said Oldham. Although the Commissioners Court approved the polling places, the county solicited input from the Citizens Advisory Group, a committee that helped evaluate current polling places and make recommendations for additional sites. The committee, which was appointed by the Elections Administrator, included representatives of Fort Bend County cities and schools, election workers, minority and disability groups, as well as both major political parties. Information regarding the location of Election Day polling sites and the Early Voting Schedule may be found at www.fortbendvotes.org. For more information, please contact John Oldham at 281-341-8670.
The Houston West Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to be – “In Business. For Business™” by partnering with the business community to promote economic growth and superior quality of life in West Houston communities. On Thursday, November 5 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., the Houston West Chamber is partnering with Sterling McCall Lexus to present Smokin’ Connections – a professional networking event for men only.
“Smokin’ Connections is a fun, relaxed affair that gives men the chance to meet, greet and get to know like-minded professionals who are making an impact in the business community,” said Jeannie Bollinger, President and CEO of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. “Not often do men get the opportunity to attend a sophisticated event that’s themed especially for them, while getting the chance to network and make valuable connections.”
The requested dress code for the event is a suit and tie, and attendees can enjoy entertainment, cocktails and refreshments, cigars, light bites and a raffle. With multiple sponsors utilizing this event for client hospitality, attendees are able to leverage connections for mutual benefit.
Created in 2013 by the Hidden Gents Committee of the Houston West Chamber, Smokin’ Connections is the chamber’s first men’s only event targeted for business owners and C-suite executives. Committee members represent the following Houston area businesses: Clampitt Paper, Kwik Kopy, Launch Graphics, Praetorian Protective Services, Silver Oak Financial Group, Storyteller Promotions and Merrill Lynch.
Smokin’ Connections serves as a fundraiser for the Houston West Chamber, with a portion of net proceeds donated to charities of choice in the community.Sponsorships are still available, and limited tickets are available. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Shannon Stricker at Shannon@hwcoc.org or 713-785-4922.
AUSTIN — Texas game wardens will be patrolling the state’s public waters this Labor Day Weekend to make sure all boaters, anglers and swimmers get home safely. They will be on the lookout for boat operators who have had too much to drink.
So far this year, TPWD game wardens have arrested 148 people statewide for boating while intoxicated. In 2014, game wardens took 163 people to jail for BWI.
Because boating while intoxicated is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated for everyone involved, it provides the same penalties as DWI, including fines and possible jail time.
Last year in Texas, 167 boating accidents were reported by the U.S. Coast Guard, 34 of which ended with deaths. In 17 of the fatal cases, alcohol was a contributing factor.
When heading out to the water, don’t drink if you are going to be operating a boat, wear your lifejacket even if you are a good swimmer and if on a personal watercraft, keep at least 50 feet away from other PWCs, vessels, the shore or any object such as a boat dock.
Boating Safety Tips
Wear a personal flotation device
Avoid alcohol
Be especially careful on personal watercrafts
Children younger than 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway
Take a boater education class
Don’t overload your boat
Operate at a safe speed
Have a passenger serving as a lookout in addition to the operator
In light of the ongoing drought, watch out for low water areas or submerged objects
Carry extra PFDs in both adult and child sizes
PWC operators and passengers must wear a life jacket
Maintain a 50-foot distance from other PWCs, vessels, persons, shore, stationary platform or other objects unless operating at idle speed
The 10th Annual Katy Wine Fest hosted by the Cinco Ranch Rotary will be held on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Café at Brookwood, located at 1752 FM 1489 in Brookshire. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 11 p.m.
An anticipated 300 guests will be in attendance to raise money for The Brookwood Community’s ongoing training and outreach programs and to continue support for the “Center for Learning”. As a result, Brookwood will no longer be the exception to the rule in the broader field of disabilities, but will be a new norm enhancing the lives of adults with special needs across the nation and around the world.
Over the past 3 years, the Cinco Ranch Rotary has donated more than $50,000 to launch and sustain Brookwood’s “Center for Learning”. Proceeds from the 2015 event will allow Brookwood to expand its curriculum as well as host several Networking Days, bringing guests from around the country to the Brookwood campus to see first-hand its model for success.
The Katy Wine Fest will celebrate wines from across the United States, including several Texas wineries. In total, more than 60 wines will be featured at this year’s Katy Wine Fest. Additionally, many of Katy’s finest eateries will offer light bites and delectable treats to event guests.
No Label Brewery will also be onsite sampling different brews in the Beer Garden. The talented Chris Austin Martinez will provide the musical entertainment. An exciting silent auction and Big Board auction will feature unique items with proceeds directly benefiting The Brookwood Community.
Tickets to the Katy Wine Fest may be purchased online at www.KatyWineFest.com. Day-of general admission tickets will be available at the door.
“The Rotary Club of Cinco Ranch is thrilled to bring the Katy Wine Fest to our community. This is a fun event that brings our guests great wine from across our great country as well as culinary delights from local restaurants,” said Katy Wine Fest chairwoman, Mary Ellen Morris. “It will be a great night to enjoy with friends while supporting an amazing organization like Brookwood.”
The Cinco Ranch Rotary (CRR) was established in May 2002 and has raised thousands of dollars to support deserving charities in our community. In addition to the Katy Wine Fest, the CRR also hosts an annual fun run each spring. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, the Cinco Ranch Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
Founded in 1985, The Brookwood Community provides an educational environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with special needs. Brookwood strives to provide opportunity through education so that Brookwood citizens will acquire meaningful job skills and hold real jobs in the Community’s business enterprises, experience the pride that accompanies the ability to contribute to one’s own support, and grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Center for the Healing of Racism presents a film screening about the lives of blacks in Latin America followed by a facilitated group discussion. Celebrating Hispanic History Month the 7-9 PM film and group discussion dates are September 28, 29, 30 and October 1, 2015.
Houston, Texas September 4, 2015, The Center for the Healing of Racism, celebrating its 26th year, invites the public a film series exploring the effect of slavery and racism in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Brazil Mexico and Cuba. The focus of the Hispanic History Month film series is to examine the strength and resiliency of black culture in these five Latin American countries. After each screening the audience can share their insights and response to the films in a discussion lead by a trained facilitator. Each 7-9 PM screening and discussion takes place at the Center for the Healing for Racism 3412 Crawford, Houston TX 77004. Parking is available at Houston Community College, HCC lot #9.
All Center for the Healing of Racism events are held in a supportive and honest setting. Information is provided at each session, followed by an opportunity for voluntary sharing. Facilitators say participants leave with a new understanding of racism, what they can do about it. A sense of community is created with others of different backgrounds and life experiences.
The sessions are free and open to the public, with donations encouraged. Registration is requested by emailing cfhr1@juno.com or calling the Center’s office (713) 520-826.
Mission Statement for the Center for the Healing of Racism.
To facilitate the healing of racism through education and dialogue in a safe and supportive environment, in order to empower individuals and transform communities.
The Fort Bend County Master Gardener Training class, a program offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, begins Thursday, October 8, 2015. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am – 3:30 p.m. during the month of October through November 10, 2015. The cost of the class is $200 ($353 for couples). The fall class is limited in size.
Classes are taught by Texas A&M University specialists in their field in classes such as vegetables, fruits & nuts, soils, landscape design, pathology, propagation, rainwater harvesting and more.
Everyone who has a desire to increase their knowledge of gardening, then sharing their knowledge with others through community service in support of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and becoming a Certified Texas Master Gardener is invited. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis so, Hurry! Get your application in now! The deadline is September 28, 2015. If you wait any longer, your spot could be filled by someone else!
For information on the Fort Bend County Master Gardener Class and to obtain an application for the fall class, visit http://www.fbmg.org/become-a-master-gardener/ or you can call Margo “Mac” McDowell at 281-633-7033.
This Labor Day weekend, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) would like to take the opportunity to recognize and honor the more than 13 million workers who are the backbone of the Lone Star State. As we continue to experience positive growth, in job creation and labor force size, the people of the great state of Texas are able to benefit from the thriving economy and opportunities that come with expanding employment.
Texans have much to celebrate this Labor Day. Our nearly 500,000 employers continue to add jobs with the addition of 260,500 between July 2014 and July 2015. The state’s unemployment rate remained at 4.2 percent in July and continues to trend below the national rate of 5.3 percent.
TWC and the state’s 28 local workforce development boards, which together comprise Texas Workforce Solutions, partner with local economic development organizations, community colleges and other entities to connect workers to available job opportunities and to equip the growing workforce with the advanced skills needed to secure sustainable jobs. Once again, the Texas Legislature has allocated more than $48 million to support the Skills Development Fund job training programs to help businesses and employers create new jobs or upgrade the skills of their current workforce through the Skills Development Fund for Employers and the Skills for Small Business program. Targeted training funding for dual credit programs and veterans in high-demand jobs are also available through the fund.
Additionally, TWC is addressing the growing population of veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce through programs, such as College Credit for Heroes, which allows Texas’ veterans to translate military experience into civilian careers. On November 12, TWC and Workforce Solutions will also host the fourth annual Hiring Red, White and You! statewide hiring fair for veterans and their spouses. These fairs have connected more than 31,000 veterans with more than 4,700 employers.
TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions are grateful for the contributions that Texas’ workers have made to strengthen and prosper our state. As you enjoy this holiday with family or friends, we thank you for helping to make Texas the best place to live and work!
Andres Alcantar, Chairman and Commissioner Representing the Public
Ronny Congleton, Commissioner Representing Labor
Ruth R. Hughs, Commissioner Representing Employers
Announces second location, offers free blends, and commemoratesbeing cancer free.
Beet Box Blend Bar in River Oaks, 1909 W. Gray St, Suite B., celebrated its first year of business by offering customers free blends from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 4. Additionally, upon the brink of the anniversary, owner Denise Manley Fox has revealed plans to open a second location in Downtown Houston. Details on the new location are still in negotiations.
Beet Box offers Houstonians organic fruit and veggie blended beverages such as the best-selling Signature Green (kale, spinach, carrot, pineapple, banana, apple, parsley, lemon juice and water) which provides three servings of veggies and one and half servings of fruit. Beet Box offers something for everyone’s preference, from more “veggie” tasting blends for the green smoothie lover, to fruitier or sweeter blends for those that like a traditional smoothie taste, but without any syrups, powders or added sugars. The Little Blendies kids menu offers fruity (with a hidden veggie) options in an 8 ounce size and the location provides a designated kids table and coloring books.
During the first year, Beet Box has expanded their menu to include seasonal soups, grab-and-go salads, acai bowls and a 20 ounce size blend. Beet Box now also caters to corporate clients who want to provide their employees with healthy treats.
“This first year of business has been amazing. Much like being a mother, it is both far more difficult and far more rewarding than I could have imagined,” said Fox. “At Beet Box we continue to focus on quality, organic, whole food ingredients along with accessible and excellent customer service.”
Fox opened Beet Box Blend Bar late August of 2014 and specializes in organic drinks inspired by her diet while battling breast cancer. After nearly a yearlong battle with Stage III breast cancer in 2013, Fox decided to put her career as a lawyer on hold to pursue her dream of owning her own business and providing people with convenient and healthy blended options. Beet Box originated with Fox’s personal menu of whole fruit and vegetable blends she began making while on her “cancer diet” which meant no preservatives or processed foods. Today she remains cancer free and continues to enjoy being an entrepreneur and spending time with her family.
“This Friday’s free blends are both a giant “thank you” to our loyal Blend Friends (Beet Box’s frequent blender rewards program) and a welcome to those that haven’t been in yet. We hope they love it and will become our regulars for our second year of business,” said Fox.
In celebration of the first anniversary Beet Box will offer free any size, any flavor blends to all guests from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, September 3, 2015. Beet Box Blend Bar is located at 1909 W Gray St, Suite B and regular hours are Mon – Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more about Beet Box on Facebook at or www.beetboxblendbar.com.
Two of Katy’s communities of adults with intellectual and physical disabilities gathered together Aug. 13 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Adults from The Arc of Katy visited St. Peter’s special needs ministry Hearts Helping Others (H2O). They enjoyed a visit from the Journey Ice snow cone truck, which is operated by Everyday Opportunities, which serves children and adults diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
H2O is a ministry of St. Peter’s that serves adults with intensive special needs, specifically those who have finished their secondary education and need additional assistance with life skills such as feeding, mobility, and hygiene. H2O meets weekly at the church for socialization and communication opportunities.
The Arc of Katy has grown tremendously over time and currently serves about 30 adults with a variety of intellectual disabilities. It provides a safe environment for participants to engage in social and physical activities. They currently meet at Camp Cinco, a Katy Family YMCA facility, four days a week.
Everyday Opportunities, a part of Camp Journey, started last year as a full-time day camp for adults on the autism spectrum. Proceeds from the Journey Ice snow cone truck benefit Camp Journey, including Everyday Opportunities, and its participants.
All of these organizations welcome volunteers. You can reach H2O at fridaynightfriends@stpkaty.org, The Arc of Katy at www.thearcofkaty.org, and Everyday Opportunities/Camp Journey at suzette.coates@gmail.com.
COLLEGE STATION, Sept. 8, 2015 – Texas A&M University officials have been informed that the university’s student-led annual community service project – Big Event – has won the Governor’s Higher Education Community Impact Award for 2015.
The award is one of nine 2015 Governor’s Volunteer Awards to be presented Sept. 21 at a reception hosted by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, who serves has honorary chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards The ceremony will be held at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin.
The Higher Education Community Impact Award recognizes a college or university that supports and encourages civic engagement and volunteering as a core value.
“Recognition such as this not only reflects positively on the Big Event Committee, but it also reflects on the core value of selfless service that is entrenched in the entire Texas A&M student body,” says Rusty Thompson, a 1985 Texas A&M graduate who serves as director of student activities.
Big Event is a unique service project – the largest one-day student-run service project in the nation – that began 33 years ago with just six Aggies who volunteered to clean up a local cemetery as a way to thank the Bryan/College Station community that welcomed them when they came to study at Texas A&M.
In the last few years, record numbers of Aggies have participated in Big Event. That trend continued this past March with more than 22,000 students volunteering to complete almost 2,500 jobs ranging from cleaning yards to painting to making repairs.
“Our committee members work tirelessly year round to ensure the best Big Event day possible each March, and I hope this award offers them a big thanks for their time and energy,” says Mark Lutz, Big Event director for 2015. “We strive each year to make it the best Big Event possible, and I hope that each participant, committee member and executive can see this award as a token of appreciation for their hard work.”
Already the largest such service project in the nation, Big Event has expanded to 110 other schools across the nation and now to schools in Spain, Australia, Germany, Pakistan and Italy.
In announcing the award, officials with the award committee and the OneStar Foundation noted that Big Event is so embedded into the undergraduate culture of Texas A&M students that many of them continue their civic engagement into their professional and personal lives wherever they reside.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is embarking on a 27-city, two-month Good For Texas tour, meeting with local officials and citizens to talk about the future of the Texas economy.
The Good For Texas tour, a series of town hall-style gatherings, begins Sept. 9 with stops in New Braunfels and Kerrville. Hegar will visit every economic region of the state before his last stop in El Paso on Nov. 9.
More information on the tour, as well as interactive features and economic snapshots for each region, are available at TexasAhead.org. Texans can also follow the Comptroller’s progress and find interesting economic facts and figures for each stop by following @TXComptroller on Twitter or liking the Texas Comptroller Facebook page.
“I’m asking Texans to join me for a discussion of the trends and issues affecting the economy of the state and its regions,” Hegar said. “Understanding where we are today can help all of us ensure that we remain prosperous tomorrow — and that’s good for Texas.”
Since taking office on Jan. 2, Hegar has emphasized efforts to increase transparency and accountability at the state’s chief financial agency, while improving customer service. The town hall tour is intended to facilitate those efforts and help keep Texans informed of economic issues in their own backyards.
“Texas’ economic prosperity has made it the envy of the nation, and despite recent weakness in oil prices, our resilient and diverse state economy continues to grow,” Hegar added. “Regional diversity within the state is a big part of that story, and I’m very excited to discuss not only the successes, but also the challenges each region must address to ensure our prosperity continues.”
The 84th Legislature passed a law mandating the creation of a gold bullion depository right here in the Lone Star State. Our office is beginning the process of implementing that legislation to ensure Texans have a secure place to deposit their gold. But did you know our office already holds some gold for Texans through the state’s unclaimed property program?
In our latest video, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar addresses the bullion repository and gives viewers a glimpse of some of the shiniest assets in Texas’ unclaimed property cache.
One of the nation’s most imaginative and passionate poets to share personal work in intimate setting
The University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Cultural Enrichment Center is proud to welcome former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, founder of the Favorite Poem Project, to campus for a public reading of his personal work.
The event will enable Houstonians to hear one of the nation’s most imaginative and passionate poets, and also provide attendees the opportunity to interact with Houston’s new Poet Laureate Robin Davidson, Ph.D., a professor of English at UHD.
This reading is offered in collaboration with Public Poetry, the Houston Public Library, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Poet Laureate Program, Houston Arts Alliance, Awty International School and the University of St. Thomas’ English Department.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 8| 5:30 p.m.
WHO: Literary leaders including:
Robert Pinsky, former U.S. poet laureate and founder of the Favorite Poem Project
Robin Davidson, Ph.D., Houston poet laureate and UHD professor of English
WHERE: University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)
Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium | A350, Third Floor Academic Building
Katy, Texas – Andrew Donelson would like to extend his condolences to the family of Freddie Gray, saying “I hope this settlement with the city of Boston will help bring closure and healing to this family during this difficult time.”
As an independent candidate for president, Mr. Donelson believes the District Attorney made the right decision to pursue charges in the death of Freddie Gray. The loss of life is never easy to cope with or understand, especially under such seemingly tragic conditions. However, Andrew knows we must restore confidence in our justice system, and should allow the criminal trial to be completed before reaching a civil agreement on any related matters.
“Let’s not continue make this a race issue, let’s make this about the loss of a life. All life should be precious and valued no matter the skin color. I hope the criminal trial against the accused officers will continue to be fair and just in spite of this civil settlement.”
A Donelson administration would work with local law enforcement agencies to restore honor and justice to our legal system, providing necessary resources to serve and protect the great people of America and bringing an end to the violent an deathly conflict between police and civilians.
Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston, and Norri Leder, activist leader of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, have been named 2015 Women of Influence by the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Houston Section. They will receive their awards on Friday morning, September 25, at The Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive, followed by a catered luncheon. For registration and more information, check the website www.ncjwhouston.org or email www.specialevents@ncjw.org. These annual awards honor women who embody NCJW’s beliefs in courage, commitment and compassion and put those beliefs into action.
Renu Khator was born in Uttar Pradesh, India, and earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Kanpur. She received her master’s degree and her Ph.D. in political science from Purdue University. A noted scholar in the field of global environmental policy, she has published numerous books and articles on the subject. Prior to her appointment at UH, she was provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida, capping a 22-year career at that institution.
Since assuming her post in January 2008, she has helped UH experience record-breaking research funding, enrollment and private support. A 75-acre Energy Research Park, part of Khator’s $400-million campus construction program, was recently launched. In 2011, Carnegie Foundation elevated UH into the top category of research universities, naming it a Tier One University. The university was also recognized by the Princeton Review for excellence in undergraduate education and by the Chronicle for Higher Education as an exceptional workplace. UH has also become a member of the Texas Medical Center’s elite teaching institutions.
Norri Leder
The UH System’s first woman chancellor and the first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive research university in the United States, Khator has been recognized by numerous American, Indian and global organizations. She serves on many boards in various fields, including the American Council on Education, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Technology Center, the Texas Medical Center Policy Council and the Methodist Hospital Research Institute Board.
Khator’s husband, Dr. Suresh Khator, is associate dean of the UH Cullen College of Engineering. The Khators have two daughters, both of whom are ophthalmologists, and a grandson.
Norri Leder grew up in the Houston Jewish community, attending Bellaire High School. She then traveled East to Brown University before returning to the University of Houston Law Center. She worked as a process improvement and benchmarking consultant for The American Productivity & Quality Center and Arthur Andersen Business Consulting.
After the shootings of 26 elementary school students and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary, Norri became convinced our country could do a better job preventing gun violence. As a result of that tragic event, she became an accidental activist. She joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America within the first month of its formation. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots organization of several hundred thousand members modeled on Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The group promotes common-sense gun laws and a culture of responsible gun ownership.
Teaming up with moms across the country, Norri helped launch and implement social media “armchair activist” campaigns against corporate giants, resulting in successful campaigns to pressure major corporations like Target, Starbucks, Chili’s and Chipotle to develop responsible corporate gun policies. She has worked extensively on campus carry, open carry and business issues related to concealed carry and “no guns” signs in Texas. She helped formulate and champion the Texas simplified “no guns” signage campaign, which is endorsed by the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Restaurant Association. She has helped to expose positions of the National Rifle Association that impact the business community and the American public at large. She has testified repeatedly before the Texas Legislature, has helped grow membership for Moms Demand Action and is an active member of the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action.
In addition to her work with Moms Demand Action, Norri has taken on leadership roles at various points with a number of community organizations, including The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, the ERJCC Book and Arts Fair, The Shlenker School and the Houston chapter of the American Jewish Committee.
Norri is the daughter of Shirley and Emanuel Katzin of Houston and is married to Jason Leder. They are the parents of two daughters, ages 12 and 14.
The National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the lives of women, children, and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Monday, September 21, 2015 [SAVE THE DATE]
Katy, Texas – Andrew Donelson would like to extend his condolences to the family of Freddie Gray, saying “I hope this settlement with the city of Boston will help bring closure and healing to this family during this difficult time.”
